Dimapur/Tuensang: A candlelight service for late Supou P, organised by Chang Wedoshi Setshang, was held at Clock Tower in Tuensang, and in Dimapur on Thursday.
The 25-year-old studnet of Unity College succumbed to her injuries after she was shot at by the accused, identified as Thingiu Khiam (36), a deputy kilonser of NSCN (Khango) group, on May 8, at Zeliangrong colony in Dimapur.
Speaking at the service in Tuensang, Executive Chairman, Khiamniungan Students’ Union Tuensang, Yohan clarified on the rumoured relation between the victim and the accused. “According to her family, the accused had been constantly threatening the victim to be in a relationship with her for some time to which she repeatedly refused”, he said.
“I believe, in eastern Nagaland and particularly the Khiamniungan tribe, forced proposal is never encouraged. The culprit has disturbed our social environment”.
“Our Naga Army is fighting for our nation but the accused, lacking no wisdom and kindness, defamed the name of the Army and community by using gun power and killing an innocent student. Such a criminal must be punished. The KSUT requests the concerned authority to grant befitting punishment under law”, he added.
C Asenla, President of Changsao Thangjam Setshang, stated that they were not only saddened at the loss “but also angry at the atrocity committed by the culprit.”
“With the candles we light tonight, we honour the life of our dear sister”, she said.
In another speech by Vice-president, Chang Khulei Setshang, N Siping, asserted that “friendship and union is human nature” but it is unfair that people must undertake such actions to achieve this union.
Pongsu, President, Chang Wedoshi Setshang, also expressed shock over the barbaric act by a fellow citizen. ‘Evil people become stronger when good people stay silent watching the wrong that goes on in our society. We will not stay silent, we will stand for our rights,’ he underscored.
All the organisations present at the service condemned the barbaric act committed by the accused and appealed to the concerned authority to award befitting punishment under law. Condolences were expressed to the bereaved family at this time of grief.
A minute of silent prayer for the bereaved was observed followed by a mass prayer.
A candlelight service was also organised by Khiamniungan Students’ Union Dimapur (KSUD), at Supermarket area, Dimapur, on Thursday evening.
Condemning the act, the president of KSUD, L P Kamthong said they will fight for justice, while also expressing gratitude to everyone who shared solidarity messages and condemnation letters.
Kamthong also said such crimes and actions were intolerable in Naga society. He also requested the law enforcers to give befitting punishment to the culprit as per the law.
He stated that the accused should not be granted bail, maintaining that whoever comes forward for his bail would be considered equally at fault.
President of Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam Dimapur, P Sujang said ‘freedom fighters’ should be fighting to save the lives of people but instead he had killed an innocent life, which is unacceptable.
