Mon: Villagers gather at the residence of Leiong Konyak, a resident of Chi Village in Mon district, Nagaland, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. Leiong was among 14 civilians killed by security forces. (PTI Photo)
KU mourns death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat & demands that Shah withdraw statement
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 9 (MExN): The Konyak Union (KU) while urging against politicization of the Oting Yatong killings, today mourned the death of India’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, and demanded that Union Home Minister, Amit Shah withdraw his statement in Parliament.
A press release from the KU said that as the Konyak community enters the third day of the 7 days mourning, it is shocked to learn about the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others which had a fatal crash on the chopper they were travelling.
“The Konyak Union takes this courage to convey its deepest condolences to all the crew and passengers that were on board during the fatal chopper crash where Gen Bipin Rawat, his lady wife and other members met with this tragic accident,” it stated while praying for comfort and solace to the bereaved families.
It however demanded that Union Home Minister, Amit Shah withdraw the statement he made on the Oting killings in Parliament. “He should rely on concrete facts and evidences; not just with mere lopsided statements spoon fitted by the Indian army under his command,” the KU said.
It said Shah should respect the sentiments and feelings of the people by “withdrawing his remark; if not, the cries and anger will further evaporate which the Konyaks will solely blame the Government of India.”
The KU meanwhile appealed before the State and Central Governments not to politicize the Oting Yatong massacre incident whereby people coming to pay homage and last respect to those 14 innocent youths that were massacred should not be restricted.
“The Konyak Union in accordance with its customary norms welcomes all foes and friends during such time of grief,” it stated, adding that the union would not be held responsible for any untoward situation that may arise on account of such political restriction within its jurisdiction.
The KU further clarified that the press restriction at “ground zero” which is Oting Yatong and not Oting village should be respected. It also cautioned against the spread of false news and distortion of the facts and events that unfolded.
The union also appealed to the Special Investigation Team to “expedite the case” before December 25.
While appreciating the masses for observing its declared 7 days mourning norms, the KU appealed to all concerned to be “more respectful so as to avoid any unwanted confrontation during its proposed mourning period.
It further clarified that the KU “never demanded or requested any form of compensation neither from the State nor the Central Government.”
“No monetary value on earth can replace the loss of those 14 innocent Konyak youths that were massacred on December 4 and 5,” the KU said. It therefore cautioned the Central Government not to play with the sentiments of the Konyaks but ensure that justice is delivered before Christmas.
Resentment against telecom service providers
The KU has expressed resentment at telecom service providers in charge of Mon district and the officers responsible for shutting down the mobile network on December 5, which it said, had “restricted or created communication and information gap in disseminating information.”
This, the KU said led to the “unfortunate mob uprising leading to vandalizing of KU Office, attack on AR camp and the death of the innocent Konyak public who were on a pacifying mission.”
