Guwahati: A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday evening at Assam’s Kuki Worship Service Guwahati (KWSG) Hall, attended by a large gathering of community members, church leaders, women, and youth.
The vigil honoured the memory of a Kuki-Zo woman who succumbed to prolonged physical and psychological trauma following a gangrape during the Manipur violence of May 2023.
The solemn gathering reflected collective grief, remembrance, and an unwavering demand for justice for the victims of the ongoing conflict.
The programme, organised by the Kuki Welfare Association Guwahati (KWAG), commenced at 6:00 PM and was conducted by Gl. Lalsang Limsong, General Secretary of KWAG.
The event opened with a prayer offered by Pr. Paocha Chongloi, invoking strength and healing for the bereaved family and the affected community. This was followed by the reading of a press statement issued by KWAG, read aloud by Miss Sarah Chongloi.
In the statement, KWAG noted that nearly three years after the outbreak of violence on 3 May 2023, more than 260 people have lost their lives, over 60,000 have been displaced, and thousands of homes and places of worship have been destroyed.
It asserted that the continuing violence against the Kuki-Zo community, particularly the atrocities committed against Kuki women, reflects a grave failure of the government to ensure justice, safety, and accountability.
The statement further described the prolonged delay in the investigation of the case, despite its transfer to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as emblematic of systemic apathy and institutional neglect.
A speech was delivered by Pu Maj. Lamtinthang Khongsai, Pachong, Kuki Inpi Apex, who reiterated the community’s demand for justice and accountability.
This was followed by prayers led by Rev. Daniel Mimin Haokip, Pastor, KWSG, seeking peace and human dignity. The candle-lighting ceremony was led by Pu Seitinmang Kipgen, President of KWAG, symbolising solidarity with the victim’s family. The programme concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. Hejang Kipgen.
The vigil ended with a collective call to condemn hatred and violence, uphold justice, dignity, and accountability for all victims of the ongoing conflict, and urge authorities to act decisively to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.