Nagaland Candlelight vigil for slain female athlete

Thousands of people converged at PHQ Junction, Kohima, on Friday evening to participate in a candlelight vigil to demand justice for the 22-year-old state basketball player, whose murder sent shock waves across the state. The body was found near a well below her home at Old Ministers Hill, Kohima on October 25, 2025.
It may be recalled that the Kohima District Basketball Association held a candlelight vigil on October 29. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Kohima Police is currently investigating the brutal murder of the female athlete.
The candlelight vigil witnessed participation from a cross-section of people, including student unions, women’s organisations, youth bodies, and civil society groups, who expressed deep grief and outrage while demanding swift and transparent justice.
A representative of the Jakhama Women Society described the victim as “a candle that lit the people around her,” and urged families to nurture respect and protection for women. She maintained that the issue transcended gender and urged for the need for open family communication and mutual respect between men and women.
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) general secretary Kenilo Kent recalled the victim as a talented basketball player whose death had left a deep void. He said Naga society must remain united and resolute in the pursuit of justice and added that the collective solidarity was the best tribute to her memory.
Angami Women Organisation (AWO) general secretary Atono Tsükrü Kense condemned the murder, terming it a “tragic and shocking loss.” She informed that AWO had met with law enforcement authorities and urged them to expedite the investigation and ensure that justice was delivered without delay.
Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) president Christopher Ltu cautioned that the youth would not remain “mute spectators” in the face of injustice. He described such acts as intolerable despite Nagaland having a reputation as safe for women. He said the incident had “brought shame and degraded our land and people.”
Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president Diezevisie called for unity and accountability across society. He said the community must stand firm against any act that undermines human dignity and life and asserted that justice must be “fully served” and that victim’s dreams “should not die with her.”
Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) president Zasitsolie Beio described the murder as “intolerable” and called upon authorities to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice. He remarked that such incidents were rare in the state and said it was “a shame to the government,” adding that society must collectively stand up for one another.
The Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) president Kehozhol Kulnu also strongly condemned the killing and appealed to the state government to strengthen the justice system to prevent such crimes in the future.
President of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Alumni Association, Peter Vizo, remembered the victim as a top student from the Economics department. He urged the government to ensure that “the competent authority expedites the investigation and justice is duly served.”
An elder speaking on behalf of the bereaved family expressed gratitude to the public for standing in solidarity with them during their time of grief.
The candlelight vigil was chaired by Jakhama Students Union president, Vikethoto Tetso while vote of thanks was proposed by Jakhama Youth Organisation president, Vishuthazo Kirha.