Shillong: They came with candles. They came with prayers. And they came with a grief that no words could carry. Nagas across India gathered for candlelight vigils, holding flames for six men who never made it home.
From the hills of the Northeast to the streets of New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, thousands of students, professionals, and elders gathered to express collective grief and solidarity.
In Kohima, hundreds of residents assembled at the Baptist Church premises as dusk fell, holding flames against the evening sky. Meanwhile, in Dimapur, groups of young people occupied sections of the streets in silence, some weeping while others sang traditional hymns in the Liangmai dialect.
The mobilization saw widespread participation from various community organizations, including the Naga Elders Forum Shillong, the Naga Research Scholars’ Forum in Hyderabad, and students from Manipur University.
For many attendees, the connection to the deceased transcended personal acquaintance. Participants noted that despite never having met the six men, a shared identity, a call for justice and solidarity was the driving force behind the massive nationwide turnout.
Expatriate Nagas, students, professionals, government officers and well wishers stood in circles, candles in hand, reading out the names of the dead. Many had never met the six men. It didn't matter. It was a Call for Justice. They were Naga. They were Brothers. That was enough.
Video Courtesy: Mumbai Candlelight Service
Video Courtesy: Shillong Candlelight Service
Video Courtesy: Delhi NCR Candlelight Service
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