Over a thousand people filled Ukhrul Town Hall at Phungreitang in the heart of the town on Saturday evening for a peaceful candlelight vigil in honour of the eight slain Naga civilians, despite harsh weather conditions. The gathering became a powerful symbol of grief, solidarity and resolve as the town came together to mourn the brutal killings.
Undampened spirit
Despite heavy rain and muddy pathways, attendees refused to be deterred. Every person held a candle, its flame flickering against the wet darkness, as a quiet tribute to the departed souls. The vigil, organised by Tangkhul CSOs, was largely marked by solemn prayer, mourning and unwavering solidarity with the grieving families.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Attendees including young and old sat together, wrapped in shawls and traditional attire, their faces reflecting the pain of losing innocent fellow Naga brethren in such horrifying circumstances. Community members stood shoulder to shoulder, their candles casting a soft glow that cut through the darkness of the rainy evening.
TNL condemns terror, calls for unity
Addressing the gathering, TNL president Sword Vashum voiced strong condemnation of the brutal killings of innocent Naga civilians. He called for unity among the people to stand as one against the reign of terror perpetrated by what he described as “Kuki Narco terrorists.”
“These killings are not just attacks on individuals; they are attacks on our collective identity, our dignity and our humanity as a Naga,” Vashum said. Noting that the eight Naga brothers didn’t die in vain but for the cause of the Naga nation, he called upon all Nagas to stand together in strength and resolve, to protect the Naga people and demand justice
Mass prayer seeks divine solace
A mass prayer invoking divine intervention was led by Reverend Somi Kasomwoshi. As the congregation prayed, the reverend asked for divine solace for the bereaved families and for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.
“May God grant strength to those who weep, comfort to those who mourn, and peace to the souls of our beloved brothers and sisters who have been taken from us in such cruel fashion,” Kasomwoshi said.
The gathering bowed in prayer, candles held high, as hymns of mourning and hope filled the hall. The sound of soft chanting of prayers, created a moment of profound collective sorrow and spiritual reflection.
The hostage killings
Six Naga civilians—Manu Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai, Kenpibou, Phenrongwi Thiumai, Kaliwangbou Abonmai, and Ch Phenrilung Konsakhul Naga Village from Konsakhul village belonging to Liangmai Naga community—were abducted by Kuki militants and later found mutilated.
The victims including two pastors were reportedly abducted by KNF-P (Kuki National Front–President group) militants along with Leilon Vaiphei villagers on May 13, 2026, at Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, a Kuki-dominated area.
The bodies of the six hostages were recovered on the evening of June 10, 2026. They were found in a highly mutilated and dismembered condition, which sparked widespread outrage across Manipur. Naga public have refused to accept the bodies until the government addressed their demands for justice.
Fatal ambushes
In addition to the killing of the six Naga hostages, one Naga civilian Wilson Thanga, a member of the Chiru Naga community, was killed in a suspected Kuki militant attack in Noney district on May 13. Earlier, on the same day, three Thadou church leaders were also killed in an ambush by unknown armed miscreants.
Another Naga civilian Chungjanglung Panmei, a 58-year-old Rongmei Naga villager, who was killed on June 8, 2026, in a forested area while fixing water pipeline in a suspected Kuki militant attack in Kangpokpi district.