Naga women at a candle light vigil in Kohima to mourn the victims of the Oting killings. The incident is a reminder of the human rights violations which have been perpetrated under AFSPA. (Photo Courtesy: Zhazho Miachieo)
 Edited.jpg)
Calls for apology from ‘appropriate authority’
Our Correspondent
Dimapur | December 20
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution demanding that the Government of India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 from the North East, and specifically from Nagaland, so as to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful political settlement to the Naga political issue.
During a special assembly session held on December 20, where a seven hour discussion took place, the NLA condemned the massacre at Oting-Tiru on December 4 due to indiscriminate firing by the 21 Para Special Forces of the Indian Army in which 13 innocent people were killed, followed by killing of one innocent person by security forces at Mon town on December 5, and injuring 35 persons during the incidents.
Without naming names, the House called for an apology from the “appropriate authority,” along with an assurance that justice will be delivered by applying the laws of the land upon those who perpetrated the inhuman massacre and upon those who are responsible for the incident.
It may be noted that scores of civil society organizations and political parties have demanded an apology from the Union Home Minister for his statement on the Mon killings on the floor of Parliament.
The House further urged the citizens of Mon district, its civil societies, the citizens of the State and mass based organisations to extend cooperation to the Government and its agencies to demand justice, and to restore normalcy in the interest of all the citizens. The NLA appreciated and supported the citizens and civil society organizations in their demand for repealing of AFSPA and delivery of justice, while appealing to all sections to follow democratic norms and non-violence “in our collective endeavour towards realisation of peace and delivery of justice.”
The NLA resolution noted that the Naga people have been crying for peace and an early solution for the long pending Naga Political Issue. The House, therefore, once again appealed to the negotiating parties of the Indo-Naga political dialogue to bring the talks to its logical conclusion by reaching a settlement that is honourable and inclusive at the earliest.
Earlier, the discussion was initiated by Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton.
Those members who joined the discussion included TR Zeliang, Dr Chumben Murry, G Kaito Aye, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Y Vikheho Swu, Temjen Imna Along, Yitachu, Chotisuh Sazo, Pukhayi Sumi, CL John, P Paiwang Konyak, Neiba Kronu and Imkong L Imchen while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio gave the concluding remarks and moved for adoption of the resolutions.
