DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 27 (MExN): The Eastern Konyak Union (Myanmar) on Monday extended support to the Konyak Union and Nagas of Nagaland in mourning the 14 civilians killed in Mon district on December 4 and 5.
A press release from the Eastern KU (Myanmar) urged the Indian Military to clarify the “heinous and ugly activities.” It further termed the actions of the army as “illegal,” while stating that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) “should be removed from the civilian places.” It also called for the repeal of AFSPA from the border areas with Myanmar.
The EKU (Myanmar) meanwhile stated that the villages of Chen Hoyat, Chen Throilu, Kamkah, and Momkho have also “suffered in the hands of the Indian Army,” listing out instances of violence and killings in the villages over the decades.
The EKU (Myanmar) said that in Chen Hoyat village, the Indian Army had apprehended “13 innocent people in 1982 (and) kept in Tuesang Jail for 7 months without any proof.” It informed that one Tahlem died while in jail and 12 others were released after 7- 8 months.
Further, it reminded that in 1988 at Chen Hoyat village, “half of the public houses were burnt down and one Tolong Wangpai was taken to unknown destination for nine months and released after keeping him for many months on blind suspicion.”
Another incident the EKU (Myanmar) described was how in 1980 at Chen Throilu village, one Puthrei was injured when the Indian Army allegedly shot him “without any reason.”
The EKU (Myanmar) further informed that in June 24, 1981, one Yavai was allegedly “killed by Indian army in the village.” It added that on August 1, 1982, Ayan and Famo were killed, while the Church building and public houses were burnt down. The union also said that in 1982, the Indian army “burnt down Kamkah and Momkho villages.”
It said that the Konyak people have been suffering loss of lives over the years and as such, demanded that those responsible for the killings in Mon be penalized and that AFSPA be repealed from the border areas as well.
