By Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: April 25, 2026
The Kuki Students Organisation Churachandpur organized a candlelight vigil on Thursday night to honour village volunteers Paominlun Haolai and Letlal Sitlou, who were killed earlier that day in Ukhrul district. The solemn gathering began around 8 PM at the KSO Churachandpur office in Tuibong, drawing residents from across the district who came to pay respects and express solidarity with the bereaved families. Candles were lit and prayers offered as the community mourned the loss of the two men, described by organizers as defenders of their village.
Speaking to The Hills Journal, KSO Churachandpur President Minlal Gangte said the vigil was held in memory of the lives lost and in solidarity with the people of Mulam Village, which reportedly came under attack by Tangkhul militants on Thursday morning. He stated that the incident has caused deep anguish across the Kuki community worldwide, with many feeling that their people are being deliberately targeted. “The whole Kuki community worldwide felt something deeply in their hearts, as their people are being targeted like this,” Gangte said, condemning the attack and calling for an end to violence against civilians.
The vigil concluded with calls for peace and justice, as attendees urged authorities to ensure protection for vulnerable villages and investigate the killings. Organizers said the community remains in mourning but united in grief, with the memory of Paominlun Haolai and Letlal Sitlou strengthening their resolve to stand together amid ongoing tensions in the hill districts.
