The violent incident was a result of complete failure of the “intelligent source(s)” and the killing of civilians cannot be termed as “mistaken identity”, says the Konyak Union
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The Konyak Union strongly condemned “the act of barbarism” against innocent citizens and said it stood firm against the perpetrators while demanding immediate booking of the perpetrators.
The union in a press statement issued by its Media Cell stated that against the backdrop of the horrific massacre perpetuated by the India Military forces, it had declared that December 4 and 5 2021 as “Black Days” and would continue to observe every year henceforth.
Based on the ENPO declaration of December 18, 2007, where it clearly states that there would be no bloodshed in ENPO area, the Indian military forces has defied this important declaration, therefore, the Konyaks have declared non-cooperation to the Indian military.
The statement also said that within these seven days of mourning, there should be no movement of military forces or patrolling parties failing to abide to this decision and any untoward incidents arises during this stipulated time, they would be held responsible.
It further announced that there would be seven days public mourning in the entire district of Mon.
Meanwhile, stating that the incidents seem to be complete failure of the “intelligent source (s)” and well calculated attempt on the innocent civilians and the incident cannot be termed as mistaken identity, the Konyak Union has also demanded the following remedial action and logical conclusion from the President of India to take necessary steps at the earliest
1. Investigation: Independent inquiry under competent investigating agency to be immediately setup and two members from the Naga civil society must be inducted in the special investigating team.
2. Execution of law through judicial system: To identify all military forces or army personnel involved in the incident and book and punish under applicable civil court.
3. Deliverance of Justice: action taken against those erring official (s) at Oting-Yatong massacre must be put into public domain within 30 days.
4. Vacate 27 Assam Rifles from Konyak soil: 27 Assam Rifles must immediately vacate Mon district on moral ground for failing to provide security to its citizens whereby military forces from other state had intruded and committed the Oting Yatong massacre on December 4.
5. Repeal AFSPA: To immediately repeal AFSPA from the entire Northeastern region.
NSF 6-hour shutdown peaceful
The six-hour total shutdown on Monday from 6am to 12noon called by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) across the Naga inhabited areas to condemn the killings of civilians by the security forces in Mon district was peaceful.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima, NSF president, Kegwayhun Tep, informed that shutdown was successfully conducted by its federating units and subordinate bodies, however, he said that during the shutdown, some stray incidents occurred where there were confrontations between the NSF volunteers and security forces in Kohima, Dimapur and Meluri.
Stating that the government should feel the pulse and sentiments of the people, the NSF appealed for cancellation of the ongoing Hornbill Festival.
He also appealed to the general public to refrain from participating in the festival if the government was adamant to cancel the festival.
On Armed Forces Special Powers Act (APSPA), the student leader said that repealing the contentious AFSPA would be the best way to honour the sacrifices of the deceased.
Questioned if the SIT probe could bring in the desired justice to the victims, the NSF therefore has appealed to the government to set up a Court monitored committee headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge in order to ensure a fair and impartial probe.
He further said that to prove the government’s sincerity in seeking for the removal of AFSPA, the federation demanded for a special session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to discuss the matter and recommend its revocation to Central Government.