Protesters at the mass public rally in Tuensang on December 16. Public rallies were organised throughout eastern Nagaland to demand justice for the victims of the Mon killings. (Morung Photo)
.jpg)
Morung Express News
Kiphire/Tuensang | December 16
Coming together to demand justice for the 14 civilians killed by security forces in Mon district on December 4 and 5, public rallies were organised in eastern Nagaland areas on December 16.
In Mon, the Konyak Union reiterated its earlier demands for an independent inquiry under competent investigating agency to be immediately set up and two members from the Naga civil society to be inducted in the special investigating team.
The KU is demanding identification of all military forces or army personnel involved in the incident and trying them in a civil court. Other demands of the KU, which were put before the President of India on December 6 include action against the erring official(s) within 30 days, vacation of the 27 Assam Rifles from Konyak soil, and immediate removal of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) from the entire north east region.
In another representation to the President today, through the Nagaland Governor, the Konyak Union, Konyak Students Union and KNSK said that “taking advantage of the blanket immunity of AFSPA, the 21 para security forces has brutally massacred 14 innocent civilians.”
They further stated that terming the incident as a case of “mistaken identity” cannot be tolerated. “The particular incident was a deliberate attempt to take innocent lives which has been proved by concrete evidence available in the public domain,” the Konyak organizations stated.
They added that if justice is not delivered within the stipulated time, the Konyak civil organizations will “have no option left, but to proceed for further steps, until the Government of India justifies its action.”
In Kiphire, civil society organizations attended the mass rally organised by the United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) at Deluxe Point Kiphire.
Speaking at the rally General Secretary, USLP, P Achumse Sangtam reiterated the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation’s (ENPO) resolution to declare non-cooperation towards the security forces until justice is delivered.
Stating that times have changed, he said what happened at Oting and Mon cannot simply be swept under the carpet by the security forces and government by taking undue advantage of AFSPA, as people are watching for the government to initiate action.
Asking the Central Government to act upon the demands placed by ENPO against the responsible security personnel, Sangtam said that eastern Nagaland and Nagas in general will not rest in its demand for justice. He also called for repeal of AFSPA from Nagaland and entire NE, stating that the law has become a license to kill the innocent public.
Apila, President of AST, the apex Sangtam women’s organization, also called for thorough investigation of the incident and bringing to book those responsible.
Sethrongba Sangtam, President, United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USSC) meanwhile said that the the student community is fully behind the ENPO’s demand for justice. Demanding repeal of AFSPA, he said because of the act many innocent lives have been lost.
Also speaking at the programme, Thronglise Sangtam, Head GB of Kiphire town asked for how long security forces would take advantage of AFSPA and go on killing the innocent when people are yearning for peace. Calling for justice at the earliest and repeal of AFSPA, he said the people's voice can never be suppressed nor contained in a democratic society.
W Philip Tothong, General Secretary, Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) said that the Tikhir tribe would extend complete support and cooperation towards the demands placed by the ENPO before the Central Government.
