Kohima, Dec 28: The Konyak Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), a influencial organisation of Nagaland, on Monday demanded justice for the victims of the Oting killings without delay.
The Organisations also stated that “justice delayed is justice denied”.
The Organisations state that they will be compelled to organise an all Konyak Summit on January 18, 2022 to discuss further course of action if justice is delayed.
At least 14 civilians and one soldier were killed in a counter-insurgency operation that took place in Nagaland’s Mon district on December 4. The killing of innocent civilians by army has been heavily criticised by the people.
A joint press statement from the KU, KNSK and KSU appreciated the concern shown by the Union Home Ministry and the initiatives made by the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CM Y Patton and NPF Legislature Party Leader TR Zeliang.
However, the organizations expressed concern that there were no delegates from ground zero while meeting with the Union Home Minister to authenticate and portray the real incidents/stories about the Oting massacre.
It further lamented that no person from ground zero was included in the enquiry committee constituted for repealing AFSPA. The Konyak CSOs opined that only citizens from ground zero would be able to “portray the untold sufferings of the civilians for so many decades under AFSPA.”
The Konyak CSOs appealed to the members of the committee to consider the value of humanity on utmost priority while framing its recommendation report. “Human rights and value had been ignored and neglected for so many decades and under such circumstances, so many violations and atrocities have been inflicted upon. So many untold miseries and pain had been shouldered till date. Those members in the assigned committee should also be aware that people at ground zero have had enough of AFSPA,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the organizations also sought clarification from the Indian Army regarding its press release wherein the latter assured “justice for all”. They termed the phrase as a “biased assurance but confusing at the same time while the Konyaks are demanding for direct action against those Indian Army personnel that had massacred those 14 innocent Konyak youths.” They demanded that the Indian Army clarify its “actual stance” on the Oting massacre.
