Morung Photo
.jpeg)
Dimapur, December 5 (MExN): Several Naga civil societies and organizations extended their solidarity to the Konyak Nagas, following the killing incident in Oting Village on December 4, 2021. While demanding to the Nagaland Government and central Government to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and in unanimity, demanded for justice to be delivered at the earliest. They also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families with prayers for the departed soul to rest in peace.
FNR: Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) insisted that the Government of Nagaland immediately constitute an independent judicial enquiry to thoroughly investigate the arbitrary murders of 15 civilians and injuring 11 others by security forces in Oting Village on December 4, 2021. The investigation must be time-bound, and its findings be made public with disciplinary actions initiated by the government against the commanding officer and all the personnel involved in this act of brutal suppression and utter disregard of our human dignity, the Forum said.
When security forces, who are meant to protect and uphold the people’s fundamental rights, safety, and security, turn into violators of basic human rights, democracy is threatened and becomes fragile. FNR also condemned ‘this arrogance of power and blatant violation of the right to life. It is a gross breach of public trust! Furthermore, it demonstrates that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a colonial act, is by its very nature anti-peace.’ FNR, therefore, urged the Government of Nagaland to recommend the repeal of the AFSPA and the removal of armed forces from civilian areas. The Forum also appealed to all peace-loving people to join in solidarity with Oting Village during this time of collective mourning and sadness.
NPMHR: Nagaland Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) said that “armed with draconian and inhuman legal immunity by the Indian Parliament, the Government of India continues unabated to kill civilian and common people at any time and at any place of its conveniences.”
“Are the lives of the Naga people less than the lives of other fellow human beings?” a press release from the NPMHR questioned. “Our people at all times seek to live in peace with all other people. Our history tells that we have never waged war on any people even in the days of old. We are being denied to live lives of dignity, to exercise our rights and are now being driven to live in fear,” it stated. The NPMHR held the Government of India with all its “draconian and fascist laws” responsible for the civilian killings in Oting. “Our anguish is unspeakable at this moment of grief. Our hearts go to the families of the slain innocent villagers. The NPMHR stands with them all and shall walk with them through thick and thin,” it stated.
NTC: Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) expressing shock over the incident said that the killings of innocent villagers has disturbed the minds of the peace loving people of the Nagas in general who are yearning for peace in the regions. ‘The murdering of innocent villagers and inflicting injuries to many others in cold blood is a grim reminder of how the Indian Armed Security Forces perpetrated such inhuman atrocities and extra judicial killings to countless Naga innocent villagers for over sixty years which should not be allowed to occur yet again,’ it said.
“Taking the law in one’s own hand in the name of AFSPA and indiscriminate firing on the peace loving peoples without any reservation is against humanity,” it stated while condemning the dastardly act of the supposed to be highly discipline forces who are totally bereft of the sense of value of human life. “Unfortunate and mistaken identity on the killings by gun firing is not the solutions compared to the precious souls already lost,” it stated while urging upon the Government to constitute High Level Enquiry to ascertain the mass killings of innocent wage earners of the family at Oting Village by the Indian Security Forces and deliver justice to the victims’ families without delay.
ENLU: The incident ‘is shocking and beyond humanity,’ Eastern Nagaland Legislatures Union (ENLU) said adding “It has pierced and loot many hearts and has shaken the entire Eastern Nagaland and Naga's in general, such barbaric shouting when we yearn for peace and harmony is unacceptable to our land. We strongly condemned the atrocity of the security forces tin their heinous action.” “We assure to our people that immediate setting up of SIT/Inquiring Commission will deliver accurate fact of the incident without leaving any stone unturned,” said a statement issued by S Pangnyu Phom, Convenor, ENLU and members including T Yangseo Sangtam, V Kashiho Sangtam and S Keoshu. They also condemned the security forces for their blatant action to the innocent civilians. “The security forces despite of giving protection and security to the people of the region has completely failed their responsibility.”
ENPUD: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD) in its condemnation note said that the ‘barbaric and cold blooded killing of innocent unarmed public while returning to their village to celebrate Christmas after months of labouring for their loved ones. Such heinous act of crime from one of the so called best discipline and advanced army in the world is highly condemnable and deplorable by every right thinking citizen.’
“Military or Para Military forces are raised with the sole purpose of defending the nation and its people. Their services are often used for social well being of the people. Only the cowards killed armless innocent civilians. If the 'Friends' are so cruel, one can well imagine the other not so friendly Armed Forces, of their feelings and possible reaction towards the Nagas,” it stated while appealing the concerned authority to investigate and deliver justice by booking the personals involved in this inhuman act.
Lotha Hoho: In a press release on Sunday, the Lotha Hoho expressed solidarity with the people of Mon district and announced that the Lotha Heritage Chumpho (Morung) at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama would remain closed with immediate effect, till further notice. The Lotha cultural troupes and all participating Lotha contingents will abstain from participation in the ongoing Hornbill Festival, with effect from December 6, it added. The Lotha Hoho further stated that the show of condemnation and solidarity would also be imposed within Wokha district with effect from 6:00 am on Monday and “Movement of any Army personnel, convoys or patrols during the period will be taken as defiance of the Human Rights and atrocity.” All shops, colleges and schools within Wokha district will each hoist a Black Flag at its frontage, as show of condemnation, it added.
It also conveyed condolences and sympathy of the Lotha people to the victims and the bereaved families.
CPO: In solidarity with the people of Mon, the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) vehemently condemned the incident, terming it as a premeditated action by security forces “instil fear psychosis and suppress the Nagas under the Act of AFSPA which needs immediate revocation,” at a time when the people are yearning for peace. Conveying condolences to the bereaved families, the CPO announced that total shutdown of all activities on Hornbill Festival at Pfutsero, Kisama and elsewhere under CPO jurisdiction would come into effect from December 6. It also wished the injured persons a speedy recovery.
Ao Senden: The Ao Senden ordered the closure of the Ao morung at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama and declared that “there will be no further participation of the Ao contingent at the ongoing Hornbill Festival,” with immediate effect, till further orders. Ao Students Conference (AKM) also informed all its members to abstain from participation in the ongoing Festival with immediate effect until further notice. It also informed that a total bandh from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm would be strictly imposed throughout the district of Mokokchung on December 6. Only medical emergencies, exam students, media and weddings would be exempted from the purview of the bandh.
Rengma Hoho: In another statement, the Rengma Hoho emphasised that “There is no justification for security forces opening fire on unarmed civilians even in a war zone.” The Rengma Hoho withdrew active participation from the ongoing Hornbill Festival including the closure of Rengma Morung at Kisama and advised all its members against partaking in the festivities with immediate effect as a mark of respect to the fallen. It also appealed to the human rights bodies and all right-thinking organisations and individuals to condemn and strongly voice out against such inhuman acts and the ‘draconian’ AFSPA law and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
KTC: “The heinous crime committed against innocence civilians by the security force is beyond tolerance and must be condemned by all the right thinking citizens,” the Khiamniungan Tribal Council said on Sunday. While conveying condolences to the families, the KTC appealed the state government to thoroughly investigate the matter and deliver justice to the bereaved families.
RCN: The government must immediately set up inquiry committee and ensure that appropriate action is taken against the perpetrators as per the law, the Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) said on Sunday, adding that the “State Cabinet could also declare compensatory measures for the kith and kin of the victims.” Expressing solidarity with the Konyak community, it conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members of the victims and wished the injured persons a speedy recovery. Stating that the prevailing peaceful environment at the region was hard earned by the people of Nagaland, the NGBF said that any disruption, in any manner, is highly condemnable. The NGBF also appealed to the concerned authority to set up the highest level committee and investigate the incident.
CPO: Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), while conveying its condolences, stated that the yearning for peace by the Nagas is being challenged by the cowardly act, and as such, appealed to every right-thinking people and organisations to condemn this act of inhuman activities in Nagaland. It also appealed every citizen of its bona-fide villages under its jurisdiction to abstain from participation in the ongoing Hornbill International Festival at Kisama Village to show homage and solidarity to the departed souls and the Konyak people.
ENSA & EKUM: The Nagas in Myanmar under the aegis of ENSA and Eastern Konyak Union Myanmar (EKUM) condemned the incident and said that security forces are disturbing the peaceful atmosphere while the Nagas are in the process to bring long-lasting peace and unity to their homeland. It further conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
MUK: Stating that the unprovoked actions of security forces constitute a grave violation of human rights, the Mao Union Kohima said the incident needs to be thoroughly probed by the government and the responsibility be fixed without fear or favour. Violence is not the answer but peace is the need of the hour, it said, adding that the peace process between the Government of India and the Naga Political Groups must be carried forward to its logical conclusion. It also expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
Sümi Hoho: Demanding justice for the victims, Zunheboto organisations under the aegis of Sümi Hoho meanwhile, called for a complete shutter down in Zunheboto on December 6, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. Seeking cooperation from the public, it also requested the public leaders to gather at Centre Point, Zunheboto.
USLP: The United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) while condemning the incident directed all Sangtam citizens to refrain from taking part in the Hornbill Festival as a mark of solidarity. Demanding exemplary punishment against the officers and personnel, the USLP conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.
APO: Seeking justice for the victims, Angami Public Organization (APO) stated that the Paramilitary forces must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible for the heinous crime must be awarded with befitting punishment as per the law. APO stands in solidarity and with our Konyak brethren and the ENPO family in this time of sorrow and pain and convey its unflinching support in their pursuit for justice for the slain victims, it added. It further stated that it was inappropriate and insensitive to continue with the ongoing merry-making at such a tumultuous time, and as such, appealed to all its members not to partake in the Hornbill Festival until further notice. It also appealed the Centre and state government to investigate the matter with all seriousness and deliver justice.
DDGBA: “Killing those daily wage earners for no fault of theirs or reason is nothing but an act of terrorism which security forces have been perpetrating on innocent Naga people since long time. Such an atrocity should be outrightly condemned by all right thinking citizens and the government must take appropriate steps to deliver justice to the victims of this act of terrorism,” Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA) stated.
CHS: Chümoukedima Hindu Society (CHS) said that the act “is a complete violation of human rights who were massacred in broad daylight.” In a press release CHS President, Krishan Sharma and General Secretary, Prakash Chetri question, “As the Indian Army is for peace, security and safety of the people, how can they not differentiate between militants and civilians who were daily bread earners?” CHS has appealed to the highest authority to investigate the matter and book the culprits for the brutalities and deliver justice at the earliest, so that such killing, brutality and human right violation do not take place in the future.
AWO: Angami Women Organization (AWO) said that such merciless killing of innocent people should not find a place in a civilized society and called for all peace-loving and peace-abiding citizens to condemn the barbaric act in its strongest term. AWO has asked the higher authority to conduct an independent enquiry by a neutral body to bring the culprit to book so that no such ugly acts are repeated in future.
CTS: “As mothers, we are extremely shocked and grief stricken at the horrific murder of our innocent sons by the security forces who are supposed to safeguard and protect the citizens,” Changsao Thangjam Setshang (CTS) stated in its condemnation and added, “... such kind of brutality was an act of cowardice and must be condemned by all in the strongest terms.”
RNIF: Rongmei Naga Indigenous Forum (RNIF) said that the atrocities perpetrated by the security forces at this juncture are very unfortunate and it unveiled the ugly side of security forces once again. “We urge the Government of Nagaland to set up a high level enquiry committee and punish the culprits and put all out effort to keep the situation under control,” it stated.
TUD: Tangkhul Union Dimapur (TUD) stated that the tragedy speaks volume when there is ceasefire between the Naga National Groups and the Government of India. “Why Nagaland remains a killing field? Why seeing security personnel are still a horror in the eyes of the Nagas? Every right thinking person should question why the AFSPA which is giving the SF a licence to kill has not been repealed even as the talks for a permanent peace between Nagas and GoI is being initiated? Is this the reward given to the Nagas for sacrificing their lives for India by serving in the Indian Army?” the Union questioned. The Union said that it is time for the Nagas to seriously ponder over the reckless behaviour of the security forces. TUD also assured every support to the ENPO.
TUD: Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) in the highest term denounced the act of “monstrous by the Indian Security Forces, which may also be the reason for the delay to reach a settlement between GOI and Naga Political Group.” TUD appealed to the general public to rise to the occasion and give a befitting response to the concern authority, and demand for justice.
SBUNS: South Nagas Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS) has expressed solidarity and deep concern to Konyak Naga brothers and Eastern Nagas at this hour of atrocities meted to them by the armed security forces. SNUNS also pray for the departed souls to rest in peace and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
ACCI Nagaland: Anti Corruption Council of India, (ACCI) Nagaland has demand an immediate enquiry for intervention from both the Central and State Government to deliver justice leaving with no stone unturned. It stated that “it is about truth, dignity and value of the citizens cannot be compromised and brought by money.”
NVCO: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) said that the Oting incident has shattered the ongoing Hornbill International Festival 2021 into mourning and “now we are not to celebrate any of this related festivals in the state rather we Nagas should stand up together and strongly voiced it to the nation and the world that the human rights of the Nagas are being butchered in the highest degree by the so called security forces.”
NVCO President, Advocate Kezhokhoto Savi questioned the Central Government “What would be the stand of Human Rights” or what would be the position of ‘Public Peace and Tranquility of the State’ if this heinous crime simply ended like several other previous incidents. It pointed out that one of the main problems faced by the citizens of Nagaland state is the existence of the Central Government imposing the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958, amended in 1972. “A major theme of the human rights discourse is the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act of 1958 widely seen in the North-East as ‘draconian’. Violation of human rights is so common in Nagaland that the purpose of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is defeated considerable number of times,” it stated.
NGRC-1 CU: Nagaland Government Class 1 Contractors Union (NGRC-1 CU) expressed frustrating that the so called ‘Friends of the Hill People’ are actually 'Wolves in Sheep's Clothing. “The incident has crushed our hope in India's idea of democracy. The cowardly act is condemned in the highest order. We demand speedy investigation and delivery of justice,” the union stated.
ZMON: Zeliangrong Mipui Organization Nagaland (ZMON) stating the incident as ‘a total violation against Human Rights’ said, “this kind of brutality has been passing down since ages, taking advantages by implementing Armed Forces Special Powers Acts. For which the ZMON strongly appeal the State Government to repeal for lifting AFSPA.”
NIPF: Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum (NIPF) said that the incident has cleared the picture of “who the Indian security forces are! Their action shows if they are really ‘Friends of the Hill people’ or Foe of the Hill People.” “In light of this brutality of the Indian security forces, it is clear that the AFSP Act has no place for peaceful livelihood even for innocent civilians. Therefore, AFSP Act should be immediately removed from Nagaland,” it demanded.
