Guwahati, Jan 25: A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday evening at the Kuki Worship Service Guwahati (KWSG) Hall to pay tribute to Late Nengtinlhing Haokip, a Kuki-Zo woman who succumbed to prolonged physical and psychological trauma following a gangrape during the Manipur violence in May 2023.

The vigil, attended by a large gathering of community members, church leaders, women, and youth, became a solemn expression of collective grief and remembrance, coupled with a renewed and resolute demand for justice for victims of the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

Organised by the Kuki Welfare Association Guwahati (KWAG), the programme began at 6 pm and was conducted by KWAG General Secretary Gl. Lalsang Limsong. The event opened with a prayer by Pr. Paocha Chongloi, who sought strength and healing for the bereaved family and the wider affected community.

A press statement issued by KWAG was read out by Miss Sarah Chongloi. The statement highlighted that nearly three years after the outbreak of violence on May 3, 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 continued violence against the Kuki-Zo community—particularly crimes against Kuki women—reflects a grave failure of the state to ensure safety, justice, and accountability.

The statement further pointed to the prolonged delay in the investigation into Nengtinlhing Haokip’s case, despite its transfer to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), describing it as emblematic of systemic apathy and institutional neglect.

Addressing the gathering, Pu Maj. Lamtinthang Khongsai, Pachong, Kuki Inpi Apex, reiterated the community’s demand for justice and accountability, stressing that delayed justice only deepens trauma and mistrust. This was followed by prayers led by Rev. Daniel Mimin Haokip, Pastor, KWSG, who called for peace, healing, and the restoration of human dignity.

The candle-lighting ceremony was led by Pu Seitinmang Kipgen, President of KWAG, symbolising solidarity with the victim’s family and all survivors of violence. The programme concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. Hejang Kipgen.

The vigil ended with a collective appeal to condemn hatred and violence, and an urgent call on authorities to act decisively to ensure justice, dignity, and accountability for all victims of the continuing conflict, underscoring that justice delayed must not become justice denied.

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