DIMAPUR — The third
anniversary of the killing of 14 Konyak men in Oting was observed with a
candlelight vigil at the village morung in Oting in Mon district and a silent
prayer at the Konyak Morung at Kisama on Wednesday.
The twin events commemorated the
victims of the December 4, 2021, “botched” counter-insurgency operation by
Indian armed forces, which claimed 13 lives in Oting village, followed by the
death of another civilian in Mon headquarters during subsequent protests.
In Oting, community leaders,
including Oting Students’ Union President Noknai Konyak, Oting Village Council
Chairman Longwang Konyak, and Oting Citizen Forum President Yangpho Konyak,
reiterated the demand for justice.
The leaders expressed their
continued hope for justice, stating that they are awaiting legal action and
trusting that the Konyak Union, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, and
state government will continue to pursue the case.
President of Konyak Nyupuh Sheko
Khong (KNSK), Oting unit, Yingkhao acknowledged the loss of life but stressed
the need to address the ongoing suffering and welfare of the injured survivors.
Nokyem Konyak, pastor of Oting
Baptist Church, shared his personal grief, revealing that many of the victims
were active members of the village and church. He erected a memorial stone to
honour their memory, which read: “21 Para Special Forces of India killed my 12
innocent sheep of my church on 4th Dec. 2021; Time 4:00 pm.”
He went on to say that “whenever
someone has committed a wrong, they seek forgiveness, and with this forgiveness
comes a chance for peace and reconciliation. However, this chance still has not
come for us."
India, if it counts us as its
citizens, should treat all of us equally and give us the justice we deserve,”
he asserted.
It was informed that memorial
services would be held in several ENPO areas on Thursday.
Repeal AFSPA
Meanwhile, at the Konyak Morung
in Kisama, amid the celebrations of the 25th Hornbill Festival, the Konyak
Union Kohima conducted a silent prayer with visitors and tourists to remember
the victims.
General Secretary of Konyak
Students’ Union Kohima, Pangom W condemned the prolonged imposition of the
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland, describing it as a law
that “highly violates human rights.”
“How long are we going to suffer
under this law? We are fed up with it”, he said, appealing to visitors to
convey their message to the Indian government.
Angnyei Konyak, President of
Konyak Union Kohima, called on India’s leadership to ensure such incidents
never happen again. He urged the government to revoke AFSPA for peace and
harmony.
“If the government of India wants
to see the people live in harmony, they should immediately revoke AFSPA from
the Northeast states,” he said.
Noklang Konyak from Oting village
expressed dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s handling of the case,
stating that families of the victims remain in mourning, waiting for their sons
to come home.
The observance concluded with
gunshots fired in tribute to the victims.
