Dimapur, Dec. 19 (EMN): President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), K Therie, has reiterated his stand in holding the NDPP alliance government responsible for the loss of innocent lives in the Oting massacre alleging that the massacre was a fall out of a game-plan to derail the ceasefire.
“If the state government is honest, they should first arrest the killer 21 Para Troopers and continue to investigate,” Therie said in a rejoinder to the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
Citing the Supreme Court’s judgement in the case Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights Vs Union government of India dated November 1997, Therie stated that AFSPA could be used only when prohibitory orders are violated and secondly, if people possess power to cause death. Therie stated that those were not the causes in the Oting massacre, adding they were innocent people, who were mine workers returning home for Sunday.
“AFSPA cannot be used against mere suspicion. AFSPA is an instrument of law. It does not act on its own. AFSPA is used by humans. The direction was allegedly against NSCN (K). Law and order being state subject, direction was given by the state,” Therie alleged.
While insisting to get justice for the lost souls and the bereaved family members, Therie stated that he is only pointing out at the office and the chair that belonged to the people and nothing personal.
“Curse me, tear me, add more salt to my injuries if it pleases you. For me, I only want justice for the victims and their families and to ensure safety to future generations. I also want to see that the bereaved family members are at peace. They are all God’s children. They may not take vengeance, but Nagas deserve justice,” Therie said.
Therie added that the state government should go to the Supreme Court if the 21 Paratroopers are taking shelter under AFSPA. Therie went on to state that there is no concept of absolute immunity from trial by criminal court even if an offence is committed by army personnel. According to Therie, the case was a gross violation of human rights and a heinous crime against humanity.
While accusing the state government of trying to protect criminals under the shadow of AFSPA, Therie further stated that NPCC would not allow criminals to escape under the shadow of AFSPA.