Churachandpur, January 20: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has issued a notice and appeal calling upon all Kuki-Zo organisations and communities across India to organise a nationwide candlelight vigil in honour of Nengtinlhing Haokip, who passed away on January 11, 2026, after succumbing to injuries sustained during the ongoing violence in Manipur.
In a statement released by its Information and Publicity wing, the Kuki-Zo Council expressed deep grief over what it described as the tragic and untimely demise of Haokip. The Council alleged that she had endured severe physical abuse during the period of unrest and, despite receiving prolonged medical treatment after escaping captivity, ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The KZC said the proposed candlelight vigil is intended as a collective expression of mourning, solidarity and condemnation of violence. It appealed to Kuki-Zo organisations and community members to hold the observance in their respective cities and towns.
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According to the appeal, the vigil aims to pay tribute to the deceased, stand in solidarity with all victims of violence, and reaffirm the community’s collective demand for justice, dignity and protection of its people. The Council further stated that the candlelight vigil would symbolise remembrance, unity and an unwavering resolve against injustice.
The notice was issued by the Information and Publicity Department of the Kuki-Zo Council from its headquarters in Lamka.
