Oting memorial project hits roadblock amid Assam Rifles objection in Mon

DIMAPUR — A fresh controversy has erupted over the proposed Oting Martyrs’ Park in Mon, with objections from the Assam Rifles stalling the project and prompting the Konyak Union to warn of action if the Nagaland government fails to resolve the issue.

The proposed park, intended to honour the 14 civilians killed during and after the 2021 Oting incident, has become a flashpoint after the 42 Assam Rifles reportedly opposed construction, claiming the site falls under its leased land.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Konyak Union described the Oting incident as a “profound tragedy” that eroded public trust and a sense of safety in the region. Thirteen civilians were killed during a security operation, followed by subsequent violence in which one more civilian lost his life.

The union stated that it had proposed the construction of the Martyrs’ Park near the Assam Rifles camp as a mark of remembrance and respect for the victims. The proposal was approved by the Home department, and the district administration issued a site permit in January 2022.

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However, the project has since been held up after the 42 Assam Rifles objected to the site, claiming it falls under leased land. The Konyak Union, citing district administration records, asserted that the alleged lease is not registered and therefore lacks legal validity.

The union maintained that the memorial is necessary to honour the victims and reflect on the events that shook the region.

It further informed that it had written to the district administration on January 23, 2026, seeking resolution within a month, and the matter was later forwarded to the state government in February. However, no outcome has been reached so far.