Family members of six Naga villagers and members of the JNIMS Relief Committee held a candlelight vigil at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary on Tuesday evening, marking 20 days since the bodies of the deceased were kept there while awaiting justice.
According to a statement issued by Chongtham Sana, Co-Convenor of the JNIMS Relief Committee, relatives of the deceased and villagers have been gathering at the JNIMS mortuary every evening since the bodies were brought there, lighting candles and offering prayers for the departed. The committee said the families have refused to claim the bodies or perform the last rites until those responsible for the killings are arrested and punished.
The deceased were identified as Rev. Manu, P.R. Kenpibonu, Phenrongwibou, Delip, Kaliwangbou and Phenrilungbou.
The committee said that the six were among 18 persons taken away by armed Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13. It further claimed that the six were subsequently killed and that their bodies were recovered on June 10.
Appealing to the authorities to expedite the investigation, the JNIMS Relief Committee demanded the arrest and punishment of those allegedly involved in the killings and urged the government to ensure justice for the victims.