‘In Memoriam’- A tribute prog to Oting

Apart from saying we do not want AFSPA, let us  also show that we do not need AFSPA, exhorts CM Rio 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 9 

 

 

To pay tribute to the people of Oting in Mon district and to express deep love, sorrow and pain to the families, ‘In Memoriam - A Tribute Programme’ was organised this evening at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima.

 ‘Enough is enough!’- Rio

Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the memoriam was held in honour and memory of 14 Konyak brothers, “whose simple and innocent lives had been cut short by the most unfortunate and careless act of the Indian security forces” on December 4, and in the unfolding events that followed.

The Oting incident is a clear case of misuse and abuse of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, he asserted. 

“It is a law having colonial genesis which is violative of human rights. It legitimises killing on mere suspicion. This is not the first time where civilians have had to bear the brunt of the draconian law. Nagaland and the Naga people have opposed this Act for decades and it is a demand that we will continue to advocate for,” Rio said.

 “Our Konyak brethren are the bravest and the fiercest among the Naga people. Your land is the land of the Anghs. I understand your anger and sadness. I know that you can retaliate in violence. But I appeal to you not to retaliate violently - not because you cannot, but because you will not; not because you are weak but because you are strong; not because you are cowardly, but because you are courageous. This is the time for you to defeat violence with non-violence. This is the time for the biggest Naga tribe to show the world that they also have the biggest heart,” Rio appealed. 

Rio lauded the families of the 14 deceased, the ENPO, KU, KSU, KNSK, ENSF, and the Konyak people as a whole for displaying maturity and magnanimity in the present crisis situation.

Quoting a Native American proverb, “It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace,” Rio appealed all Naga people to shun the way of violence, and to all the political groups to say farewell to arms.

“Unless we show and prove ourselves to be peace-loving and non-violent people, our demand for the repeal of AFSPA will carry less weight. Let us say that we do not want AFSPA. But let us also show that we do not need AFSPA. Let us also make sure that we do not, in any way, allow any force to derail the hard-won peace process,” the chief minister said.

“Nagas have suffered violence, generation after generation. And today we are saying, ‘Enough is enough!’I also say with you, ‘Enough is enough!,”, he added.

Meanwhile, Rio thanked the friends and supporters from near and far, who have shown support to the Naga people, and expressed hope that the rest of India and the world will not only understand “our story but also feel our pulse of wanting lasting peace.”
 
AFSPA has disintegrated the nation: TR Zeliang

Also speaking memoriam, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang noted that “December 4th and 5th of 2021 is indeed a Black Day not only for our Konyak brothers but also for the people of Nagaland in general.”
What took place on that fateful day should never have happened to anybody. The pain and sorrow of the families who have lost a brother, husband and son to that senseless massacre is unimaginable, he said. 

In addition, the inaccurate and insensitive reporting by media houses branding the innocent young boys as ‘terrorists’ is rubbing salt into the fresh wounds,” Zeliang asserted. 

He also appealed the investigating team to bring out the true story behind the ‘shoot to kill,’ saying,  “Though it is not equal to the lives lost and is no justice” for bereaved families “at least the truth will bring a sense of relieve and the world will know the facts.”

“The Central government should provide all possible assistance during the investigation so that every angle can be explored and nothing is hidden with doubt,” added.

He further asserted that the “Black Law/Draconian Act (AFSPA)” has not brought anything good to the nation and its citizen ever since its inception in 1958, but rather shame and further disintegrated the nation.

“Therefore it is high time for the top leaders of the country to reveal all the black dots in Indian history and repeal such unwanted act immediately in order to prevent all inhuman activities meted out to its citizen out of such black law,” he said.

He also claimed that that almost every year, the State Government has been writing to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) against its application of AFSPA in the state.

However, the centre continue to extend the Act, despite having ceasefire agreement between GOI & NSCN(IM) since 1997, and the signing of ‘Framework Agreement’ on  August 3, 2015; followed by signing of the ‘Agreed Position’ with  NNPGs on November 17, 2017, he pointed out. 

 “This itself proved to show the whole world that the concept of federalism in spirit and unitary in practice enshrined in the constitution of India is defeated.”

He strongly felt that “it’s high time for the entire North East Region to come together and fight for present and future of our region.”

As requested by some civil society organisations and individuals, he further endorsed convening of a special Assembly session to discuss and if need be, adopt strong resolution as desired by the people.
 
“Is this not genocide?

“Is this killing not genocide? Is Indian Army above humanity? posed Konyak Union Kohima president H Angnyei Konyak, noting that the former should “not take what they cannot repay.”

He said that the existence hard earned peace in our land was due to great initiative of church leaders, tribal leaders, students’ organisations and Naga people from all walks of life.

Angnyei also noted that but Nagas are peace loving citizens, but New Delhi should not take advantage of this. 

The unity of the people and courage is the strength to withstand any adversaries, he said. 

If Delhi wants to live a peaceful co-existence with Nagas in particular and Northeastern in general, they should revoke/repeal the so called draconian law the arm force special power act 1958 immediately, he Angnyei.

He further noted that the fake stories and the misinformation regarding the incident at Oting by the mainland media house and even by the Union Home Minister and designation of those innocent civilians as “terrorists” in some quarters “multiplied the pain and anger to the Nagas in particular and to the people of the North eastern states in general, and such stance is like adding fuel to the fire, he added. 

At this moment of pain and sorrow we call upon every Naga’s far and wide to stand united, strong, revise, reposition as a free Naga, he asserted.

The apex Konyak Union has submitted a memorandum with some charter of demand to President of India, Prime Minister of India, Union Home Minister and many dignitaries of Centre and State, he also informed.

“By feeling the pain, hearing the cry and seeing the unity of the people all over the world, the Central government of the day with God gifted wisdom should immediately revoke AFSPA without and delay.”

“We don't want to see another Oting in the country,” he said adding, “My dear fellow Nagas, if not today, the next victim might be you or me or our relatives.”

The killing of innocent civilians is beyond once understanding and tolerance. Our hearts are heavily hardened for the loss of precious souls, he said.

He thanked the State Government and different organisations especially those who postpone their long awaited programme, North Eastern states, people from all over the world and each and every individual for showing their solidarity and support.