Candlelight vigil held in Nagaland to condemn parading of women naked in Manipur

DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) in coordination with its Dimapur unit held a candlelight vigil at the Naga Shopping Arcade (Supermarket) in Dimapur on Friday to show its solidarity with the innocent victims of Manipur violence, to condemn the atrocities committed against two women who were paraded naked, and for peace.

Speaking at the event, ENWO president Shamthai Phom expressed grief over the manipur violence that has taken more than 150 lives.

On the viral video of two women from Kuki-Zo community being paraded naked, one of whom was reportedly raped, she said it is inhuman and immoral.

She said it is a crime against humanity and goes against the values of human rights and dignity. “Using woman as an instrument in war is wrong,” she said while requesting the gathering to pray for peace in Manipur.

ENWO Dimapur Executive Chairman, Hotongla, said that there are many helpless people suffering due to the conflict.

She stated that there may be guns and other weapons in a war but the kind of atrocities committed against the two women is unacceptable.

‘We have nothing to give or help those in pain but we can only pray for them, for peace,’ she said.

The vice president of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), W Bendang Chang, said that what has happened in Manipur is an act against humanity and should not happen again anywhere.

The state authorities and government should immediately take action and punish such offenders, he said, adding that everyone should raise voice against the crime.

He also asked the gathering to pray for Manipur.

Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) representative Nathan, said that the ongoing crisis in Manipur is man-made and so only man can stop it. He also urged the state authorities and government, as well as people from both the communities to stop violence.

Akavi N Zhimomi, president of Nagaland State Board (International Human Rights Council), said: “We want peace in Manipur’ is the message that we want to send.”