In a rare show of unity, members of the Naga and Meitei communities jointly raised their voices against alleged acts of terrorism by armed militants, holding a candlelight vigil in Imphal to honour two Tangkhul civilians killed in an ambush along National Highway 202 on April 18.

The observance, organised by the Naga People’s Union Imphal and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) under the aegis of the United Naga Council, took place at Mao Market near MBC Church. Participants paid tribute to the victims and strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a brutal act of violence against indigenous communities.

The gathering also denounced the April 7 bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, which claimed the lives of two children and left their mother injured. 

A large number of people from both communities attended the vigil, carrying banners with messages calling for peace, an end to violence, and action against militancy and drug-related activities.

Naga MLAs Leishiyo Keishing and K. Vashum, who were present at the event, condemned the killings and called for strict legal action against those responsible. Keishing termed the ambush an act of barbarism and stressed that such incidents derail ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state. He also cautioned against the spread of hate speech during the conflict and urged all communities to work collectively towards peace and development.

ANSAM president Anteshang Maring questioned the circumstances surrounding the ambush, noting that it occurred in broad daylight despite the presence of security forces. He termed the incident deeply unfortunate and called on the Government of India to act decisively to end violence in the region.

Maring further emphasised the need to respect the historical and political rights of indigenous communities while ensuring justice for victims. He urged both the central and state governments to take sincere steps to resolve the ongoing conflict and restore stability.

The two victims have been identified as SW Chinaoshang (46), a retired Indian Army personnel, and Yaruingam Vashum (42), both residents of Ukhrul district.