Baring the incessant rain, hundreds of people from different organisations and student bodies gathered at Khuochiezie (local ground), here on Wednesday to pay homage to the three victims killed by unknown assailants on March 22.
The candle light vigil was organised by Zeliangrong Students’ Union Kohima (ZSUK).
In a short speech, Zeliangrong Baudi, Kohima president, Dr. Hiabe Zeliang thanked the gathering for showing their solidarity and support to the Zeliangrong community during their time of grief.
He added that the miscreants had sent shockwaves across the region by spilling innocent blood on the land.
Dr. Hiabe said that he they strongly condemned the action of those perpetrators.
He added that gun culture would no longer flourish and that it had no place in a civilised society.
He also expressed hope that the government of Nagaland would deliver justice by arresting all the culprits and people who were involved in the incident.
He further urged the government to initiate stringent action against those police personnel and officials who were posted in the area at the time of the incident.
Short speeches were also delivered by Angami Public Organisation (APO), president Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja and Tenyimi People’s Organisation, president Timikha Koza.
Solidarity speeches were delivered by Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland, Rengma Students’ Union, Pochury Students’ Union, Chakhesang Students’ Union and Angami Students’ Union.
Earlier the programme was chaired by Zeliangrong Baudi Kohima, former president Kairingpibo while Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, senior pastor-Rev Dr Vevo Phesao offered prayers.
Zeme Council, Nagaland, president Dr. Tumda Newme gave an introductory speech, ZSUK president Keyizu Hega proposed vote of thanks while Zeme Baptist Church Kohima pastor, Rev. Irintie Kauring pronounced benediction.
The gathered mass offered a minute of prayer for the victims.
Delhi: Zeliangrong Students’ Union Delhi (ZSUD) and Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi (ZWAD) on March 30, 2021 jointly organised a candlelight vigil atNagaland 1-house, New Delhi to protest the Lamhainamdi incident that took place on March 22.
In a press release, ZSUD president I Smilingbo Pamai and ZWAD president Benjamin Pamei stated that hundreds of people from different walks of life, fellow Naga tribes, human rights groups, media fraternity, etc., participated in the candlelight vigil programme.
Main speakers of the event included Delhi University assistant professor, Jeremiah Pame and social worker Mathiupuang Gonmei. Solidarity speeches were also delivered by prominent speakers on the occasion.
The release stated that a memorandum was also submitted to the prime minister, union home minister, governor of Nagaland and chief minister of Nagaland for further necessary action to ensure speedy justice.
It stated the March 22 would be remembered as a “black day” in the history of the Zeliangrong people and that the contemptible act of violence on the innocent residents “completely negates the principle of the Naga national cause”.
Meanwhile, ZSUD & ZWAD appealed to the government of India and government of Nagaland to arrest the culprits and award befitting punishment.
While describing the incident as “pure act terrorism,” the two bodies urged the government of Nagaland to recommend NIA probe the case.
Asserting that any dispute and altercations could be resolved amicably through mutual discussion without violence, they expressed hope that all right-thinking citizens would rise up against “such heinous crimes and bring justice at the earliest.”