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).
The crowd joined in singing ‘We Shall Overcome’ (a favourite during the Civil Rights Movement), while Kathuang Pamei rendered the song “One day” after the candlelight vigil.
Earlier, 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.
While condemning the inhuman act, he also urged upon all right-thinking citizens to also condemn the act.
Meru reiterated Zeliangs were against tribalism as all human beings were equal in the eyes of God.
While appealing to people to shun violence and bloodshed, Meru also demanded that the law enforcement agencies and the State government probe the March 22 incident thoroughly and award stringent punishment to the perpetrators.
Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) president Sedevillie Angami said there were only two things that Nagas could do regarding the incident– 1. condemn it and appeal to authorities to unmask the perpetrators and punish them as per the law to ensure justice or, 2. talk about forgiveness, forbearance and mercy without digging into further details.
Sedevillie 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 the three Zeliang brothers, who had gone to construct a house in their own land, were mercilessly killed.
She 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.
Presidents of Zeliang Students’ Union Dimapur(ZSUD), Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union (DENSU), Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur(TSUD) and former president of Western Chakesang Hoho delivered short speeches and urged the State government to expedite the ongoing probe and arrest the culprits at the earliest.
Isamteing Haining also spoke on behalf of the bereaved families and thanked all for their supported and extending solidarity with the family.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by ZSUD general secretary Idizeung Reunim and invocation by Town Baptist Church Dimapur pastor Rev Vilodi Sakhrie.