Two children pray with others during the tribute vigil organised by the Konyak Union Kohima in memory of the Oting-Mon victims under the theme, ‘Lest We Forget’ at Old MLA junction, Kohima on December 12. (Morung Photo)
They have not died in vain
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 12
“We will in no circumstances give up our fight, even though we are in our sick bed and in our dead grave we will rise up and demand for justice till the culprits are punished as per the law.”
This was a strong message put across by the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) during a tribute in memoriam of the fallen Konyak brethren Mon ‘Lest We Forget’ organised by the Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) on a cold night of December 12 at Old MLA junction, Kohima.
Speaking on behalf of the ENLU, Minister Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining, Kashiho Sangtam said, “We don’t find an appropriate word in the dictionary to term this gruesome act of genocide meted to our brothers who were innocent and have done nothing wrong in the eyes of the law.”
Strongly advocating for the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Sangtam asserted that the army has taken due advantage of AFSPA to “terrorise and kill people since 1958” and “Naga people have for so long suffered untold miseries and discrimination.”
The repeal of AFSPA has long been a standing demand of the people of Nagaland and other North East states, he maintained.
“In the name of AFSPA thousands of lives have been lost and thousands of homes left shattered and broken due to the oppressive Act. Inspite of the hue and cry from the public and the government against this Act, it appears to have fallen on deaf ears,” he commented.
Substantiating his points, Sangtam said, “Now, with the recent unprecedented carnage inflicted on our Konyak brothers at Oting, Mon, it has been laid bare for all to see and understand what this Act is all about. It is nothing but oppressive and discriminatory and it should and must go.”
He assured the people of Oting and Konyak brothers that ENLU will give its utmost initiative to ensure that the Government of Nagaland and Indian Union gave an impartial judgement so that the “culprits are punished as per the law.”
“If appropriate befitting action is not taken, we, the ENLU, will in no circumstances give up our fight though we are in our sick bed and in our dead grave we will rise up and demand for justice,” Sangtam vowed.
ENPUK President, Toshi Chang said, “they have not died in vain, because when the entire world thinks that we have been divided and fallen, this incident has proven to the world that Nagas are one, and no political power or military power can take this oneness away from us.”
“This ill-fated episode has shaken the entire Naga community and has brought us all together, reigniting people’s enthusiasm for the long-forgotten cause,” Chang stated, further reminding that “we want the Indian government to know that these tears will not dry easily.”
This would ensure that such a heinous crime against our people never happens again, and to secure a future of peace for our future generation, he added.
Time has come for Nagas to decide, and it is a matter of marching together or to never talk about it if we are unable to unite, Chang stated.
Lemei B Phom, President ENWUK condemning the “barbaric act,” of the security forces, AFSPA and what it did to the people of Nagas said, “No reason can justify the killing and murder of our very own sons and brothers.”
She requested the government to seriously take up the issue, bring a solution at the earliest and bring justice “to free us, free Nagas from AFSPA, repeal and revoke AFSPA from the most peaceful state-our very own Nagaland.”
To all Nagas, Phom urged “let us stand together united, saying, “This is the time we can show our unity, show the world we are one as Nagas in this fight and be determined to save our future generations from such brutality. Keep the flame burning, stand and fight till the end.”
To the mothers, she said, “We have already suffered for a long time since 1958 under this AFSPA. It’s time we come together prayerfully with hands raised high towards God and pray for peace in our land.”
“People can prepare everything for a battle, but they cannot win unless the Lord gives them this victory. This victory is with the Lord. God be with us in all this”
An emotional tribute song was presented by Manngam and Angam and the memoriam concluded with lighting of candles singing “It is well with my soul.”
