Candlelight prayer in Mon marks victims of July 19 landslide

A candlelight service and prayer meeting was held at Konyak Baptist Church, Mon on Sunday to remember the victims of the landslide that struck Defence Colony in Mon town on July 19. The programme brought together government officials, community leaders, church members and residents from the area.

Remembering the tragedy, officials and attendees observed the memorial through prayers, short speeches and a candle-lighting ceremony. Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Wennyei Konyak, addressed the gathering and expressed condolences to families affected by the disaster.

Tribute and solidarity for affected families

The Deputy Commissioner thanked Konyak Baptist Church Mon for organising the service and urged the bereaved to draw strength as they work to rebuild their lives. He also highlighted solidarity with the families of the victims whose bodies have not been recovered, noting that search and rescue teams have continued their efforts for six days using all available resources.

He commended the response by the 42 Assam Rifles, Nagaland Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Support also came from non-governmental organisations and volunteers from different wards, who worked alongside agencies during the rescue operations.

Community leaders speak; hope shared

Minister C.L. John and his wife were present at the programme. Short speeches were delivered by Konyak Union president Yamao Konyak, Konyak Students’ Union president Temwang Konyak and the president of the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), reflecting on the need for unity as people face the aftermath of the landslide.

During the event, Yinai, husband of the late Pomei, shared a testimony as the lone survivor of his immediate family. The programme ended with a message of hope and a candle-lighting ceremony led by Rev H. Moba Konyak, pastor of Konyak Baptist Church, Mon.