DIMAPUR — The Konyak Union (KU) observed the
3rd Oting massacre black day at its headquarters in Mon town on Thursday.
The day marked the tragic memory of the December 4, 2021
massacre in which 14 innocent civilians from Oting village where mercilessly
gunned down by the troops of 21 Para Special Forces from Jorhat, while they
were returning home from work at the Tiru coal mines.
The commemoration programme was organised in collaboration
with the Konyak civil society organisations (CSO).
Speeches were delivered by Tingthok Konyak, president of Konyak
Union; Ponglem Konyak, president of Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK); Atem
Konyak, president of Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) and Yangpho Konyak, president
of Oting Union Mon Town.
The Konyak CSOs have reiterated their demand for justice to
the victims. It stated that the Government of India must ensure swift and
transparent justice without delay or excuses to hold those responsible
accountable.
It also stated that such incidents should never be repeated
or tolerated as they undermine the principles of democracy and justice.
The CSOs also criticised the misuse of the Armed Forces
(Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) that shields perpetrators from accountability.
“The massacre was not an act of national defense or courage
but a cowardly and unprofessional action against unarmed civilians. This
tragedy has brought shame to the otherwise valiant and disciplined armed forces
of India,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, KU and its affiliated CSOs have demanded justice
for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators; to complete full
compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and adequate
support and rehabilitation for those injured particularly those left
permanently maimed or disabled.
In a related programme, the Konyak Students’ Union Dimapur (KSUD)
organised a candlelight vigil in remembrance of Oting massacre victims
at Konyak Community Centre in Purana Bazaar, Dimapur, on Thursday.
In a short speech, advisor to KSUD and Konyak Union Dimapur
(KUD), A Mosa Konyak, has questioned the Government of India for the delay in
delivering justice despite lapse of three years. He appealed to the Nagaland
and India government to delivered justice to victims.
He further urged the Government of India to revoke the AFSPA
since there is ceasefire between the Government of India and Naga political
groups.
Speeches were also delivered by presidents of KUD and KSUD,
while an invocation prayer was said by the pastor of KBBD, Rev. M Tonlong.
Meanwhile, the Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) also held a
candlelight service in solidarity to the Oting massacre victims at CKS Hall in
Tuensang on Thursday.
Various tribal organisations from Tuensang also took part in
the service.
