Demand for justice grows after Mon killings

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 6 (MExN): Demands for justice and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act poured in on December 6 following the killing of 14 civilians and a soldier in Mon. 

Civil society organization, religious bodies, political parties and Naga political groups were united in their condemnation of the security forces and called for delivery of justice to the victims. 

Naga Hoho: The Naga Hoho said that the “incident itself is a proven fact that the Indian security forces do not have the sense of humanity and respect for the God’s creation of man in his own image.” It demanded that the Government of India come out clearly and take the responsibility to not only condemn but take befitting action against the perpetrators. 

It further urged national and international human rights commissions to condemn the Government of India for empowering its security forces with AFSPA. It demanded that the act be repealed from Naga inhabited areas “as there is no reason why the Government of India should empower armed forces to use the draconian law when there is peace and tranquility.”

TPO: The Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization (TPO) said that “no Naga civilian is safe from the suspicion and diabolical plots of the Indian forces—anybody can be picked up and shot and called a case of mistaken identity or produce some cock and bull story with planted so-called evidences.” “This incident of deliberate shooting by specially trained commandos of the Indian Army gives rise to questions on the sincerity of the Indian Government and its agencies to a peaceful resolution to the Naga Issue,” the TPO said. It said that “such incidences perpetrated by inhumane trigger-happy soldiers are the byproduct of the AFSPA,” and called for its revocation if India is a true democracy. 

ABAM: The Ao Baptist Church Association (ABAM) said that it is “immensely shocked and infuriated,” adding that “this act has proved that there is no security for everyone, and it is very alarming.” “Whatever the reason for the incident, we surmise that Nagas are targeted to be crimped to despair by so-called Indian security forces,” it said, and called on the government and all concerned to expedite the serving of befitting judgment against the erring security personnel.

GPRN/NSCN: The GPRN/NSCN questioned “what credible intelligence inputs in all of their rogue adventures do they refer to when innocent lives were arbitrarily executed?” “Naga people at large were truly yearning for a durable peace, such dastardly actions against peace loving Konyak brothers are outrageous and reprehensible,” a press release from the MIP of the GPRN/NSCN stated. 

“Killing with a purpose to fulfill assigned mission is not a permanent solution at all, it would rather derail the hard earned peace to sustain over the gloomy state of affairs,” it stated. The GPRN/NSCN said the Indian security agencies must act in trajectory with GOI political leadership, and focus more on agreed principle to the Naga negotiating groups by certain bilateral agreements. 
While stating the constitution of an SIT is a welcome step, the GPRN/NSCN however said that the Indian army “like in the past, has a passage to escape under the shadow of Court of Inquiry (CoI) as they enjoy apparent impunity accorded to them by AFSPA.” 

As assured and declared by the Home Minister, Amit Shah, the GPRN/NSCN said that the Union Government must grant prosecution sanction accordingly to the state law enforcing agencies enabling to prosecute those armed personnel who were part of the despicable acts.

FGN: The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) said that the killings in Mon are “proof of brute military rule in Naga territories.”  A press release from the FGN urged all peace loving people across the globe and world leaders to not just condemn but “take India to task for their crime against humanity.” It meanwhile stated that “India must quit Nagaland by withdrawing her occupational armed forces immediately.” 

NNC (Parent Body): The NNC (Parent Body) said that “no amount of absurd excuses can or will ever justify the point blank and cold blooded murder perpetrated by the Indian armed para commandos against the innocent Konyak brothers at Oting village.” “The Nagas as a whole must raise our voice,” it said and appealed to all nations and countries that support and stand for peace and the North East people to come forward to help and intervene.

NSWON: The National Socialist Women’s Organization of Nagalim (NSWON) condemned the Oting killing and said that it is against humanity and violation of human rights. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Konyak community in general and the bereaved families in particular as we join to mourn the death of innocent Naga brethren in the hands of senseless Indian security forces,” it said. The NSWON added that the Home Minister’s statement in Parliament is “rubbing salt in the wounds.” “He put the blame upon the innocent villager for not stopping the vehicle when signal was given. We are constrained to condemn this irresponsible statement too,” it added.

The Naga Rising: The Naga Rising has termed the incident as “an assault on human rights, democracy,” and appealed for a Supreme Court monitored independent probe for swift justice. It also sought a statement from the Defence Minister on the justification of AFSPA. 

“Notwithstanding the immunity conferred under the notorious AFSPA, the errant armed personnel should be brought to account on criminal charges. It may be mentioned that the Supreme Court of India in a historic ruling in 2016 had stated that use of excessive force was not permissible even in areas declared disturbed under AFPSA,” it reminded.
It also urged the Nagaland Government along with all political parties and civil society to demand the Union Defence Minister make a statement in Parliament on the present government’s justification in continuing with the AFSPA despite earlier recommendation for its repeal by the Justice BP Jeevan Reddy committee appointed by the Government of India and also similar observation for its repeal by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission. 

NGBF: The Nagaland Gaonburah Federation (NGBF) has asked the Government of Nagaland to stop the ongoing Hornbill Festival immediately in solidarity with the victims. “We must give a clear message to the GOI that we Nagas are 'one' and that blood is thicker than water,” it stated. “We must expose those conspirators behind the incident and the abrupt closing down of the Hornbill Festival shall be a good sign of unity,” it added. 

CAKU: The Chakhro Angami Kuda Union (CAKU) condemned the heinous act and also expressed its “intense disgust at the inhumane treatment on the Naga people through AFSPA yet again.” It appealed to the Government of India to revoke AFSPA from Nagaland and also appealed to the State Government to investigate the incident with all sincerity and deliver justice to the concerned families.

CALT: The Chümoukedima Ao Lanur Telongjem (CALT) condemned the “dastardly act of the Indian armed forces” and beseeched upon the Indian Government to immediately repeal AFSPA as the armed forces have been “repeatedly using this act as a shield to perpetrate atrocities on the Naga people with legal immunity.” 

CAN: The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) said that “human dignity originates from God and is of God and no one has the right to take away another human life not even by any established government agencies.” It denounced the “evil act committed against the innocent people” and said that “if such evil act is permitted by any nation/government or organization, it is a sin unto death.”  

CTSU: The Chumukedima Town Students’ Union (CTSU) said that the unprovoked firing and killing of Naga civilians is highly questionable and demanded that justice be delivered to the victims. “The Indian para-military forces should bear the whole responsibility for creating law and order problem and no amount of justification shall be accepted by the people,” it stated. The CTSU also demand immediate revocation of AFSPA and urged the State Government to bring back peace and normalcy in the area against the prevailing situation.

PSU: Peren Students’ Union (PSU) termed the actions of the armed forces as “unacceptable and unforgettable,” adding that this “merciless killing has cast a shadow of darkness over our Nagaland during this festive season.” The union held the Government of India accountable for “such irresponsible crime against the innocent public” and called for immediate booking of the curlprits and revocation of AFSPA.

KZ: The Kuzhalhu Zawe called for proper probe into the incident and said that “justice must be served to those who are responsible for killing the innocent villagers.” It further condemned the “continuation and use AFSPA to continue suppressing its own people which is against the basic principle of Human Rights.”

NGTC: The Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) said that such “barbarism has no place in our peaceful society.” “We demand justice for the innocent families who lost their dear ones and also demand strict action against those Indian army personnel involved in this gruesome murder.”

MASS: The Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS) said that this incident “is a reminder of the generational trauma that people of the Northeast, including the Nagas, continue to be subjected to.” While welcoming the constitution of a 5-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), the MASS reminded about the fate of other investigations and commissions of inquiry following excesses committed by the armed forces against civilians in Northeast India. “The Justice KN Saikia Committee report on extrajudicial executions in Assam and the Justice Upendra Singh Committee report on the killing of Thangjam Manorama has not been acted upon and have yet been acted upon to see the light of day. We cannot allow that to happen now,” it said. It demanded that the Government of India repeal AFSPA immediately and without any prevarication, initiate an impartial inquiry conducted by a sitting judge; try the guilty army personnel for premeditated murder in a court of law with their names and designations made public, and the Indian armed forces should dismiss them from service to face the law as common citizens. It further urged that the families of the dead and injured receive maximum compensation.

DBSU: The Dimapur Bengali Students' Union (DBSU) condemned the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. It further requested that the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland expedite the investigation and ensure justice for the families.

ENDBU: The Eastern Nagaland DBs Union (ENDBU) noted that such unwarranted acts and high-handedness of the Indian military “is a murder to democracy and violation of human rights.” The ENDBU appealed to the military forces to abstain from such “barbaric, cowardice and heinous crimes as they were not given a licence to kill the innocent and such incidents shall create fear psychosis amongst the civilians.”

TSUK: The Tikhir Students’ Union Kohima (TSUK) condemned the “inhumane and barbaric act of the security forces” and demanded befitting justice against the erring security personnel. “We also express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members,” it added. 

PH: The Phomla Hoichem questioned the security forces whether the “guns they carry is to gun down the innocent civilians living peacefully in our own land.” It demanded proper investigation and urged that justice be delivered without delay.

MCD: The Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) expressed sorrow at the “inhuman incident” at Oting village and prayed to “almighty Allah to give solace to the bereaved family members of the slain citizens.” It further expressed concern about AFSPA, its misuse and necessity during peace time and appealed to the Government of India to have a rethink about repealing the act. 

DPO: The Dimasa Public Organisation (DPO) said that AFSPA is a draconian law which must be lifted from the North East once and for all. “The SIT set up by the State Government should boldly come out and expose the culprits,” it added. 

EKU (Myanmar): The Eastern Konyak Union (Myanmar) while condemning the incident as “senseless and shameful” informed that the same situation is being faced by people in the border areas at the hands of the Indian army. It meanwhile mourned the loss of innocent people. 

KUK: The Khiamniungan Union Kohima (KUK) said that the “brutal massacre of innocent civilians” shows “the discriminatory attitude and the atrocities committed time and again under the draconian rule of AFSPA." It urged the State Government of Nagaland to deliver justice at the earliest and book the culprits. 

LBCA: The Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) said that the Oting incident “is once more another such case where on the one hand, the Indian Army lashes out their hatred and anger against innocent Naga civilians to quench their thirst and came up with the pretext of Intelligence inputs, and on the other hand it is an attempt on the part of the Indian Army to sabotage the ongoing Indo-Naga Peace Process.” 

LPO: The Lotha Public Organisation (LPO) stated that “if Nagas don't realize and unite this time nothing can ever make Nagas unite ever again.” “Strong protest and people movement in all Naga areas is the need of the hour,” a press release from the organization stated, while urging all Lotha individuals, and groups to refrain from participating in the Hornbill festival 2021 till further notice.

WSBAK: The Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) urged the Central and State Governments, and the top army brass to provide deserving justice “so that peace and tranquility will pave way to provide comfort during this hour of distress and sorrow.” 

RPP: The Rising People’s Party said that the state government should declare 7 day state mourning and all government sponsored activities throughout Nagaland should be cancelled including the ongoing Hornbill festival. It also called for the NLA to convene immediately and the 60 MLAs to adopt a resolution condemning the incident. The RPP said that the incident requires probe by a sitting Judge of the High Court/Supreme Court, adding that the formation of SIT by the State Government though procedurally right, its findings may not be made admissible in the courts due to AFSPA. It added that the compensation amount announced by the State Government is inadequate and unsatisfactory.

KTC Nagaland: The Kachari Tribal Council (KTC) Nagaland has informed that as a mark of respect to the victims of the Oting killings, it has suspended all form of activities in the Kachari Morung at the ongoing Hornbill Festival till further notice. 

YSUD: The Yimkhiung Students’ Union Dimapur (YSUD) termed the incident as “deeply concerning and unbearably disturbing.” It condemned the “ghoulish act of killing” and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. 

NWHD: The Nagaland Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) condemned the “barbaric action of the Indian Army against the innocent people at Oting, Mon” and extended prayers and solace to the bereaved family members. “We strongly oppose the barbaric and inhumane Act of the Indian Army and stand in solidarity with our people for peace,” it added.

Watsu Mungdang: The Watsu Mungdang said that “this is nothing new but a repetition where the Indian armed forces had in the past tortured, killed thousands, burnt villages, and raped women folk for days on end in the name of fighting insurgency.” “Such heinous act and high handedness applied in disguise of AFSPA is totally unacceptable, and should be totally condemned by one and all,” it added. 

Maran CSOs: The Maram Union,  Maram Students' Union and Maram Women Union issued a joint statement stating that “this heinous crime committed by the security forces who are supposed to protect lives, provide safety and security to the people has threatened fundamental rights of the citizens and values of democracy.” “There can never be any justification for brutal murder of innocent civilians. It is a gross violation of public trust,” it added. 

CBCC: The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) mourned the victims of the killings and appealed to all concerned civil bodies and the State Government to take cognizance of the repeated violations of human rights under AFSPA. “We appeal the concerned authority of the state to strongly recommend for revocation of the AFSPA in the greater interest of peace in our society,” it added.

PPC: The Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) has directed the cultural troupes of Phom villages participating in the Hornbill Festival to immediately abstain from further participation until further orders. A press release from the PPC further informed that the flag of the council shall be flown at half mast for the next 7 days in solidarity with the Konyak community in this hour of loss. 

PSU: The Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) said that “despite several incidents that occurred in the past and numerous appeals and demands made for the revocation of AFSPA, still the Government of India seemed to be insensitive to the sufferings and trauma that this draconian law has brought to the Nagas in all these years.” “Granting special powers to the officers to kill/murder innocent civilians on the pretext of maintaining law and order is totally absurd and unacceptable which needs to be revoked immediately from the constitution of the world’s largest democratic country,” it said.

AGNC: The Assemblies of God Nagaland Council (AGNC) while condemning the incident, urged the Government of India and the State Government to immediately intervene and hammer out a permanent solution so as to bring secure feelings to the Nagas. It called for repeal of AFSPA and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

CFD: The Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) termed the incident as “not just a threat to the vulnerable people who faced the fate of irresponsible gunmen but should be considered as a threat to humanity as a whole.” “It is very disheartening and painful to know when the people are striving for a lasting, peaceful and sustainable solution for the protracted Naga political issue,” it added.

GBUD (Sadar): The GB Union Dimapur (Sadar) termed the incident as “an act of barbaric crime in a deliberate attempt to derail the on-going Indo-Naga peace talk and non-adhering the ceasefire ground rules.” “Such act of inexcusable occurrence time and again has created an irreparable trust deficit among the Naga people and the armed forces,” it stated. The union also demanded that all armed personnel involved and responsible for the senseless killing be held accountable.

NSA: The Naga Scholars' Association (NSA) said that this incident has “trampled on the dignity, respect, and honour of the Naga people.” “The callous strategy of viewing the region within the military framework by disregarding the democratic and peaceful processes of engagement and understanding, has not only often led to the loss of many precious lives, property, and dignity but also paved the way for the intensification of the conflict,” it added. The NSA demanded that AFSPA be immediately repealed.

NLSF: The Nagaland Law Students Federation (NLSF) said that India being a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948, the killing of innocent civilians by its security force violates every humanitarian principle putting India’s commitment to world peace in questionable. It expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Central Government to repeal the AFSPA from the state immediately. 

WCH: The Western Chankhesang Hoho expressed solidarity with the Konyak and ENPO family in this time of grief and sorro. It conveyed unflinching support in their pursuit for justice. A press release from the WCH also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery for the injured victims. 

AKM: The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) said that “such barbaric acts committed by the security forces are a direct challenge of the civil code and a total violation of universal human rights.” The AKM demanded immediate removal of AFSPA, impartial and independent judicial inquiry, and removal of all security forces camps from the civilian areas. 

JSS Nagaland: The Janjati Shiksha Samiti (JSS) stated that the painful death of innocent villagers is “very painful for all of us.” It paid respectful tribute to the victims and extended condolences to the bereaved families. 

LLRPO: The Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO) said that “such barbaric act of cowardice under the guise of the draconian law of AFSPA deserves condemnation by one and all.” “The authorities concerned must act swiftly without any prejudice till the culprits are brought into justice,” it stated while expressing solidarity with the Konyak community. 

NSCW: The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) stated that the “sanity of security forces involved in the shooting of innocent civilians at Oting, Mon, must be questioned and condemned in the highest order.” A press release urged that “justice must be delivered at all cost within a specific time frame.” It further informed that the commission has deputed a member at ground zero, and are in close touch with the KNSK.

NEFIP: The North East Forum for Indigenous People (NEFIP) termed the incident as a “heinous crime against humanity and an attempt to annihilate the indigenous people from its soil and suppression of the right to life in dignity.” A press release from the forum said that the security forces cannot justify their act “in any way as it is very much an act of state terrorism to the people of the entire region.”

NWU: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) said that the security forces, citing intelligence failure “is a lame excuse and in no way justified.” It demanded that the Government of India investigate thoroughly and give befitting punishment of immediate suspension of the Unit Commanding Officer and those personnel responsible for such heinous crime.”

PMA: The Pochury Mothers’ Association (PMA) said: “as mothers, we grieve over the loss of our precious brothers and sons whom we looked upon as guardians of the family.” It urged the State Government to implored the Government of India to immediately repeal AFSPA and questioned: How long can mothers bear the brunt of this beastly act? 

SSUD: The Sangtam Students’ Union Dimapur (SSUD) termed the excuse of “mistaken identity” as “completely groundless.” The SSUD demanded justice for the innocent lives and also appealed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the state government to disentangle itself from “any outside forces and with their best efforts shed light in the dark.” 

AIFFSO Nagaland: The All India Freedom Fighters and Successors Organisation Nagaland uniot condemned the incident and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. It further urged the concerned authority to deliver justice at the earliest. 

SCAN: The Senior Citizen’s Association of Nagaland (SCAN) wondered “how a highly trained personnel like the Indian Army could stoop to such an inhuman act.” It cautioned security forces to refrain from such “mindless and cowardly acts.” It further requested the State government to extend all possible help to the victims and relatives of the deceased. 

SDU: The Sema Dimasa Union Dhansiripar sub division said that the action of the security forces “is beyond the trust of the people,” and demanded stern action against the perpetrators. It further extended sympathy and solidarity to the bereaved families. 

SAWO: The Southern Angami Women Organization has demanded that the Government of India take “stringent action against the Convener, Ceasefire Monitoring Committee and responsible guilty officers/personnel.”  It also appealed to peace-loving citizens of India and the world to strongly condemn this heinous crime. 

SAH: The Sumi Aphuyemi Hoho (SAH) urged the Government of India to repeal AFSPA  and remembered “with angst that similar atrocities had taken place in Kohima, Mokokchung and Ukhrul in recent times.” “Unless the AFSPA (1958) is repealed, the Indian Armed Forces will continue to terrorize and murder innocent Nagas under the guise of military operations,” it said. The SAH further urged the Government of Nagaland to vigorously demand the revocation of AFSPA from all Naga areas. It reminded that no SIT, judicial enquiries and other forms of democratic processes can bring justice, because AFSPA (1958) is intrinsically extra-judicial which grants unrestricted power to the Indian armed forces to “terrorize and murder innocent citizens with impunity.”

NNF: The Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) said that “such barbaric act of senseless killing under the pretext of the draconian law AFSPA deserves condemnation by one and all.” It asked the authorities concerned to act swiftly without any prejudice till the culprits are brought into justice. It further urged the repeal AFSPA immediately. 

TMC: The Tetso Motorcycle Club of Tetso College, Dimapur said “it is such a shame for us that we could not protect our innocent brothers from the clutches of the evil AFSPA.” It demanded revocation of AFSPA from Nagaland and ex-gratia to the family of the victims. Further, the club supported boycotting the Hornbill festival 2021. 

TWA: The Tikhir Women Association (TWA) said that the incident “only exposes their lack of credibility towards their intelligence and motive when the whole state is yearning for peace and progress.” “Also terming it as mistaken identity is clearly a mere excuse to shield their calculated operation towards innocent civilians and should be condemned by every responsible citizen,” the TWA added.   

YAA: The Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA) demanded immediate and thorough investigation and that justice be delivered without any delay to the aggrieved families. “The Indian armed forces in the guise of the despotic and draconian AFSPA act has given free license to detain and kill civilians at their whims and fancies which cannot be tolerated anymore,” the YAA said.

ZSUN: The Zeme Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) said that it stands with the people of Mon district and demands the booking of erring security personnel with deliverance of befitting justice. “Also, the union would like to express profound condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and pray that perpetual light shine upon Konyak brethren,” it added.

ZSUND: The Zeliangrong Students' Union Delhi (ZSUND) said that the operation of AFSPA in the North East “had led to many similar incidents in the past, where there was disproportionate use of force against civilians with no known criminal antecedents.” “We voice our solidarity with various civil organizations, students' union body, human rights group and others for the withdrawal of AFSPA,” it stated.

ZU (AMN): The Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) said that the incident “clearly shows the real face of Indian military forces; they are here not to protect the innocent civilians or maintain peace and tranquility.” It meanwhile extended solidarity with the ENPO and the bereaved family members.