Inexpressible: Konyak Morung at Kisama remembers Oting massacre

Morung Express News
Kohima | December 4

On December 4, 2021, as Nagaland celebrated the annual Hornbill Festival, the festive ambience took a sombre tone, interrupted by the Oting massacre. It was a botched military operation that claimed 13 innocent lives, stirring widespread anger. The civilian population in Mon took to the streets in anger, vending their anger on the security establishments. One more life was claimed in the ensuing violence, falling victim to gunfire from the security forces.  It left a deep and enduring wound leaving the community grappling with efforts to heal. 

Marking the second anniversary of the tragedy, the Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) organised a solemn act of memorial at the Konyak Morung located at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on December 4. It involved a silent prayer for the innocent lives cut short, followed by volley of orchestrated shots from muzzleloaders.

“When we recall that every day, it really touches our hearts and it is inexpressible. We were celebrating the Hornbill Festival and it was a cloudy, gloomy day,” KUK Vice President Jeiang Konyak was quoted as saying at the memorial, by Nagaland Tribune.

He also expressed gratitude to all the Naga tribes who stood in solidarity with the Konyak community during its darkest hours.
Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) also marked the anniversary as a ‘Black Day’ at its Kohima headquarters. NSF President, Medovi Rhi said the massacre of the 14 innocent civilians by the armed forces can never be forgotten. He reaffirmed the NSF’s stance regarding the non-cooperation extended to the Indian armed forces.

Former President Kegwayhun Tep brought to mind the military atrocities inflicted on the Nagas. “The Oting incident will be remembered and never be forgotten,” Tep said, while reminding that justice has yet to be served to the perpetrators.