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DIMAPUR — The Ao Senden has expressed shock and dismay over the recent Supreme Court decision to close all proceedings against the Indian army personnel responsible for the deaths of 14 Konyak Nagas on December 4, 2021.
The apex court’s decision is based on a February 28, 2023 central government order denying sanction to prosecute the personnel involved, citing the protection offered under Section 6 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
In a press release issued on Monday, the Ao Senden acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision “would not prevent the Army from taking any disciplinary action against the personnel”, and expressed hope that the Indian Army would indeed take action against the individuals responsible.
The organisation also condemned the AFSPA, describing the contentious law as “a classic example of the medieval mindset of the Indian political intelligentsias which have no relevance in the 21st century, except that it keeps the citizens of Nagaland groaning and suffering under the might of the Indian Armed forces.”
“The silence of our elected representatives in their own fora, post the Oting massacre is deafening, and we deplore their insensitivity. They should furthermore raise their voices so that this kind of massacre should not repeat in the democratic country of India in this modern times”, the press release stated.
Furthermore, the Ao Senden urged all democratic citizens and political parties to push for the complete repeal of the “savage and barbaric” AFSPA, at the earliest.
Also read: Supreme Court ruling on Oting massacre draws backlash from Nagas