Imphal, April 23 (NNN): On the final day of the three-day “total shutdown in Naga areas” called under the jurisdiction of the United Naga Council (UNC), candlelight vigils were held in several locations on Wednesday.
The shutdown and vigils were organised to mourn the deaths of two Naga civilians killed in Ukhrul district on April 18 and to condemn the incident. The deceased were identified as Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) of Tashar village and Yaruingam Vashum (42) of Kharasom village. They were killed at TM Kasom village along NH-202, the Imphal-Ukhrul road.
Naga organisations, including the UNC, have alleged the involvement of Kuki militants in the killings.
Candlelight vigils were reported in Imphal, district headquarters of Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tamenglong, besides other locations.
Addressing a gathering at Senapati, UNC President Ng Lorho described the killings as an attack on the safety and movement of Nagas along NH-202, calling the highway a vital lifeline.
He said the three-day suspension of ties with Kuki groups was a customary expression of grief and mourning, adding that the Naga people’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
He also urged Naga youth to remain disciplined and uphold unity and dignity. Ng Lorho further questioned the role of security forces in preventing such incidents, saying civilian protection should not be selective.
Stating that Naga grief transcends state boundaries, he said communities across Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar and other Naga-inhabited areas were united in mourning.
The UNC President also expressed gratitude to the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), student bodies and other organisations in Nagaland for extending solidarity.
