Condemnations pour in over Oting killing in Nagaland
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 07 2021: Civil societies, students' bodies and human rights organisations continue to express vehement condemnations against the killing of civilians in Mon district of Nagaland by security forces on December 4.The condemnation chorus also echoed at the national as Nagas residing in Delhi observed a candlelight vigil at Nagaland House, New Delhi on Monday night to show solidarity with those killed in Mon district.

Naga Students' Union Delhi (NSUD), Delhi Eastern Nagaland Union (DENSU) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights Delhi (NPMHR) jointly organised the vigil, condemning the brutal "massacre" of 14 civilians by security forces.

"The murder of these innocent lives is a bleak reminder of the decades-long suffering and suppression of the Nagas under the draconian rule of AFSPA," a joint update said.

As it condemned the "inhumane act" of the Paramilitary commandos and Assam Rifles, it reasserted their "unflinching support" to the families of the victims, and the Konyak people.

"We are together in this fight for justice", the statement added.

Further, it condemned the barbarity of the Indian Armed Forces, and sought that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be revoked.

Poumai Naga Union, Delhi (PNUD) also expressed shock and dismay over the brutal killing of innocent civilians in Oting village of Mon district.

These deaths in any circumstances are disturbing, creating fear and insecurity in the region, PNUD said in a statement and conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the depart soul to rest in peace.

Zeliangrong Students' Union Delhi, too condemned the outrageous act of 21 paramilitary Special Forces against the innocent villagers and misuse of AFSPA 1958 .

It called for booking and punishment of those responsible as per the law of the land immediately.

Maram Union, Maram Students and Maram Women Union, in a joint statement, also expressed anguish over th&horrific incident where 14 innocent lives of Konyak brethren were brutally massacred by 21 Para special forces.

The bodies stated that there can never be any justifications for brutal murder of civilians who were innocent and unarmed.

Such gross violation of human rights tantamount to genocide and war crimes during peace time, they said and extended solidarity to the Konyak brothers and sisters during their hour of pain.

Thangal Union and Thangal Students Union, in their press communique, vocally condemned the heinous attack of villagers at Oting village.

Demanding justice to those victims, the Thangal bodies called for punishment of those perpetrators and extended solidarity to the bereaved family members.

The student bodies also asked the governments of Nagaland and India to take up appropriate action to deliver the justice.

Poumai Naga union (PNU), the apex body of Poumai community, also condemned in the strongest term the brutal killing of civilians by Indian Para military forces on December 4.A statement issued by PNU president Dailord Pao and PNU general secretary Th Abraham stated that the indiscriminate firing and killing of civilians of such intensity is nothing but genocide perpetrated by occupying forces under the act of AFSPA.

PNU stated that this brutal act of the Indian Para military forces brings back the memories of so many traumatic perpetration, of the past by Indian occupational forces on Nagas.

PNU conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, adding that the union stands with them all through thick and thin.

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