TKS enforces 6 hrs total shutdown in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, December 06 2021:
Expressing strong dissent over the Oting incident wherein 15 innocent civilians were killed and several others were injured allegedly by Assam Rifles on December 4 and 5, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) imposed a total shutdown here from 6 am to 12 noon.
The 6-hour bandh was clamped by the apex Tangkhul students body in response to the call of Naga Students' Federation to impose shutdown in all Naga inhabited areas of Nagaland and Manipur in condemnation against the Oting incident.
The shutdown crippled Ukhrul town as normal activities were completely halted, vehicles remained off the road, schools, shops and other establishments were closed.
However, no unwanted incident was reported during the shutdown hours.
In solidarity to the Naga brethren of Oting, TKS yesterday hosted a candlelight vigil at Gandhi Chowk, Phungreitang.
In the meantime, Tangkhul CSOs namely Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long released a joint statement expressing vehement condemnation over the "indiscriminate killing" of 15 innocent unarmed civilians at Oting and termed it as a "heinous war crime".
The Tangkhul CSOs observed that the incident only reflects the deeper pattern of routine military repression aimed at terrorising innocent Naga civilian populace under the existing regime of the Armed Forces ( Special Powers) Act.
The statement also mentioned that all those armed personnel responsible for human rights violation must be held accountable and further demanded immediate suspension of Commanding Officer of the unit in prosecution thereof; withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 and de-notification of the "Disturbed Area" declaration of the whole State of Nagaland; restoration of sanctity of Indo-Naga ceasefire ground rules; and timely and honourable conclusion of the ongoing Indo-Naga Peace dialogue.
Hunphun Katamnao Long also expressed solidarity to the bereaved and injured families and demanded that befitting justice be delivered at the earliest in accordance with the international humanitarian law.
Further, Tangkhul frontal organisations will be hoisting black flag at TNL office tomorrow as a mark of solidarity to the affected families.