Hundreds attend candlelight vigil for March 22 victims

In a massive show of solidarity in memory of the three victims killed by armed assailants on March 22, several hundred people gathered at Super Market here Friday evening at the candlelight vigil organised by the Zeliang Students Union Dimapur (ZSUD).

Addressing the crowd, Zeliang People’s Organisation Dimapur (ZPOD) president Hekim Meru said the spontaneous congregation of people from all walks of life, was to share grief and sorrow at the killing of the three martyrs and also to convey condolences to the bereaved families.

He lamented that at a time when people of Nagaland were pursuing peace and the government of India trying to secure peaceful solution, Nagas on the other hand, were warring among themselves and resulting in the killing of three Zeliang people.

Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) president Sedevillie Angami expressed shock at the manner in which the perpetrators could commit such a heinous crime in broad daylight. He said it was a crime not only against the victims’ families and the Zeliang community but also against the Nagas, the entire human race and against God Himself.

Sedevilie also expressed concern against provocative social media posts after the incident. He expressed grief and conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and the Zeliang community.

Zeliang Women’s Organisation Dimapur president Zaisi Ramlia said no mother would want to give birth to a son only to be murdered in this manner. She said as a mother, it was difficult on her part to remain silent over the incident.

Ramlia said the incident was a clear case of targeted killing of innocent people and termed it as a crime not on any individual or community, but against humanity. She added that the incident had adversely affected peace in the Naga society.

She appealed to the Central and State government to uphold and protect the rights of people and deliver justice in this case.

Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union president, Bendangnukan said that what happened was beyond anyone’s imagination and while the offenders can hide from the eyes of men, they cannot hide from the sight of God. He pressed for justice irrespective of whether anyone belongs to underground or overground.

Rukewezo Wetsah, president of Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur in his address also warned that if the government fails, people will not stay silent. Wetsah also termed the incident shameful for all Nagas.

Isamteing Haining also spoke on behalf of the bereaved families and thanked all for their supported and extending solidarity with the family.

(Inputs from Nagaland Post & Page)

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