KOHIMA, JULY 16 : Amidst obstruction and interference from the Indian armed forces, a candlelight service in memory of the two victims of the Wuzu firing incident was held this evening at Old MLA Hostel Junction, Kohima.
This was the first anniversary of the two victims who succumbed to bullet injury fired upon reportedly by the 46th Assam Riffles ‘C’ Coy on July 16, 2015 at Wuzu, a village in the Pochury country, bordering Myanmar.
The candlelight service was organized by the Naga Students' Federation to show solidarity to the two school children, namely Tüzali (14 years) of Phor village and Aso (13 years) of Wuzu village. The firing at Wuzu also led to the injury of a pregnant woman Vitsürho Esther (24 years) of Wuzu village.
Leaders of Naga frontal organizations including the Naga Hoho, the Naga Mothers' Association and the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR).
Citizens, irrespective of tribe and community, also attended the service, while a host of students in uniform also made it to pay tributes to the two children.
It was learned that the Assam Rifles intervened today when the NSF volunteers were making preparations for the evening service. However, the student body showed no relaxation with the approach of the security forces and went ahead with the arrangements, it was learned.
“The kind of treatment that was possible by the armed forces in the past won’t be possible anymore,” These were the words of NSF general secretary Boveio Poukai Duo, who presided over the evening service.
A year had passed since these two children fell victim to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), and justice has yet to be.
All the speakers at the memorial service urged the Nagaland government to expedite investigations. They questioned the government and the Inquiry Commission why they had failed to 'bring out everything in blue print though a year had already passed.'
One of the speakers, Neingulo Krome, convenor of the NPMHR lamented at the Nagaland government for failing on its part and delaying in delivering justice.
“The government cannot even speak for the rights of the Nagas. To the Inquiry Commission, I express my disgust, while to the state government, I am ashamed of you,” the NPMHR convenor said amid a loud applause from the gathering.
Recalling the Wuzu firing incident, Krome felt it is time the Indian army should be driven out from the Naga soil. “Indian army cannot use excessive force during its operation. The Naga public cannot be slave to the draconian AFSPA rule anymore,” Krome said.
Delivering a thought-provoking speech, Naga Hoho president P. Chuba Ozukum rallied with long lines in condemning the AFSPA since its enactment in 1958.
“The Indian government goes around the world condemning the act of terrorists and the Islamic nations for patronizing terrorism. But at home, they have failed to look at the activity of AFSPA whose actions are more than that of being terrorists,” he said adding that under the AFSPA act, many heinous crimes have been committed by the security personnel.
“Struggling for self determination cannot be considered as terrorist activity,” Ozukum said adding “The Nagas are not secessionist.”
Saddened that the AFSPA had been extended for another six months just this year, Ozukum said the Naga Hoho had condemned the extension where it had asked the Indian government for repeal of the act at the earliest.
Recalling the incidents of Matikhrü and Wuzu, both under Pochury area, The Naga Hoho president also lauded the Pochury Nagas for their invaluable sacrifice they have rendered for the cause of the Naga people till today.
NMA advisor Rosemary Dzüvichü delivered a more emotional speech as she said she was saddened for the delay in delivering justice. “Though it’s been a year since the incident had taken place, our hearts are saddened when we have not seen justice for the two victims till today,” Dzüvichü stated.
Slamming the armed forces for its impunity and immunity, the NMA advisor urged all section of the Naga society to come out and fight against the imposition of the AFSPA rule in Nagaland.
“The NMA condemn and reiterate our demand which we have placed before the Home ministry,” she said.
The NSF president Subenthung Kithan, while calling for demilitarization of the armed forces, stated that “any policy that harms the atmosphere of trust and peace would be summarily asked for repeal by the student body.”
“How long will we be suppressed by our oppressors? How long Naga will suffer from the Indian forces?” Subenthung said.
Earlier, the candlelight service commenced with invocation pronounced by Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Ministers’ Hill Kohima, while Joyson Pfithu, president, Pochury Students’ Union, gave a brief note on the Wuzu Firing incident. The benediction was tendered by Nitoshe Zhimomi, associate pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima.
