06/12/2021
CONDEMNATION
I am deeply anguished and heartbroken to learn about the tragic slaughter of 14 innocent Konyak Naga youths, 14 seriously injured, and 18 minor injuries at the prime of their life by 21 Para company of AR (Assam Rifles) without any provocation at Oting, Mon District in Nagaland on 4th December 2021.
It is a naked violation of human rights. I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family in particular and our Konyak brethren in general.
As a mark of respect to the departed souls, all activities of Team MISSION UKHRUL will stay for the next 2 days.
Unless the Naga people start a concerted movement for the repeal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act), such incidents will keep repeating. In recent memory, a similar tragedy has taken place in Mokokchung, Kohima and Ukhrul.
Every time the Indian Armed Forces who were responsible for the slaughter of innocent Nagas got away with minimum punishment because AFSPA gave them impunity: Indian army personnel even non-commission rank can shoot and kill Naga people on mere suspicion and they cannot be brought before the court of law without prior sanctions of GOI. No such draconian law exists on earth except in Naga areas.
AFSPA is a wartime martial law introduced by the then British colonial power during WWII for 6 months only. For the first time, post-independent India promulgated in the then Naga Hill district in 1958 for 6 months but tragically it has continued for over 60 years!
May I humbly suggest Naga Hoho and ENPO to take up the leadership role and plan a sustained movement across Naga areas for repeal of AFSPA and capital punishment of the people responsible for the slaughter of innocent Nagas at Oting.
Sincerely,
Ramnganing Muivah
IAS (R), Former Secretary, NEC.