TKS holds candlelight vigil, imposes shutdown
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 06 2021:
Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) organised a candlelight vigil at Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, Phungreitang in Ukhrul town on Sunday, to register protest against the brutal mass killing of innocent civilians by the Assam Rifles and also to show solidarity with the bereaved Naga brethren of Oting, Mon district, Nagaland.
The candlelight Vigil which began from 7 pm drew a large crowd despite the chilly weather.
The participants held placards reading "We condemn indiscriminate killings of innocent civilians," "Leave the Nagas alone! Stop terrorizing the Nagas," "We condemn Assam Rifles' Terrorism" and others.
Continuing the protest, TKS on Monday imposed a six-hour total shutdown in the main town areas of Ukhrul beginning from 6 am till 12 noon.
In response to the shutdown call, all commercial establishments, businesses and educational institutions remained closed.
Volunteers also put up barricades across the town's main roads to stop vehicular movement.
The town wore a deserted look as the normal traffic movement was brought to a grinding halt till noon.
However, no untoward incidents were reported.
Meanwhile, Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum has called for initiating a fast-tracked investigation into the tragic Sunday incident and to award exemplary punishment to all the perpetrators.
"Failed intelligence should never be excused," he said.
Expressing deep anguish over the cold-blooded killing of 14 Konyak brothers at Oting Village by the armed forces, MLA Khashim said that it was a mourning Sunday' for the innocent civilians.
"My dear Konyak brethren, you are not alone, the entire Naga community stands by you in solidarity as we try to overcome this Black Sunday," MLA Khashim said offering his condolences to the bereaved families.
In a statement, caretaker chairman of ADC Ukhrul Dr Yaronsho Ngalung, while strongly condemning the Oting massacre, appealed to the Government of India to repeal the AFSPA 1958 and respect the human rights of the Naga people.
Making a strong case for scrapping of ASFPA, he said that the draconian law has not only grossly violated the human rights of those who have been killed but also the human rights of the indigenous Naga people.
Dr Ngalung also accused the Government of India of adopting double-standard in the peace process and said that the same has resulted in the brutal killing of innocent people: "This is a shame upon the largest democratic country called India.
Stop killing the Nagas.
GoI should be more sincere when it's engaged with the Nagas in peace talks," he rued.
"This nonsensical act of indiscriminate firing and killing innocent villagers clearly shows the double-standard of the Indian Government against the Naga people," Dr Ngalung said adding that the heinous crime of killing is taking place at a time when the people are celebrating the Hornbill festival.
At the same time, the ADC chief appealed to the Nagaland Government to pay homage for one week to the departed souls by declaring cancellation of the ongoing Hornbill festival for this year.
He said that such move would serve not only as honour and respect to the departed souls but also as a comfort to the bereaved families in this time of tragedy.
"I express my deep condolences to the bereaved families.
May the departed souls rest in eternal peace!" he added.