Candlelight vigil: CoTU pays tribute to tribal 'martyrs'
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 04 2023:
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills organized a massive candlelight vigil yesterday evening in collaboration with the Kuki Students' Organization-General Headquarters and also to pay their highest tribute to the tribal 'martyrs' of the ongoing violence.
The candlelight vigil was observed at various areas including Kangpokpi Town, Keithelmanbi Military Colony, Bongmol, Leikop, Saparmeina and Saikul from 7 pm to 10 pm.
At Kangpokpi town, hundreds of people gathered at Brig M Thomas Ground and joined CoTU's candlelight vigil to pay their respects to the departed souls by lighting up candles.
Kangpokpi Youth Union also performed a traditional gun salute in their honour.
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The gatherings also observed a minute of silence to honour and mourn the lives lost while a prayer for the deceased's families was also offered.
Similarly, people from Keithelmanbi, Bongmol, Leikop in Tujang area, Saparmeina, and Saikul also held a candlelight vigil along National Highway-2 in large numbers.
In each of the mass candlelight vigil events, the 'martyrs' were given traditional gun salutes while a pastor offered prayers for them and their families.
CoTU also imposed a total shut down from 1 pm till midnight on July 3 to mark the two-months long violence and as a tribute to the Kuki-Zo people who lost their lives in the conflict.
Commemorating the supreme sacrifice made by the 'martyrs', Lamminlun Singsit, CoTU General Secretary also reaffirmed their commitment for a solution in the form of separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people.
The CoTU general secretary also extended deepest condolences to the deceased's families and motivated them to stay strong.
Meanwhile, CoTU condemned the attack on Kuki village Phaileng and Kuki volunteers by heavily armed miscreants since the early morning of July 3 .
Lamminlun Singsit urged the Centre Government to "start taking up stringent action against such people or groups still indulging in attacking and inflicting violence against the Kuki-Zo people" .