Morung Express News
Meluri | June 19
The Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) for the July 16, 2015 Wuzu incident met with Pochury frontal organisations at Meluri Town on June 18. At the meeting, the JIC, headed by Veprasa Nyekha, retired District and Sessions Judge as the Chairman and K. Nabem as Secretary briefed the concerned parties and villagers regarding filing of written statements before the Commission and other norms of inquiry proceedings.
Two children, Aso (13) and Tüzali (14) were killed and a woman, Esther Jorror was injured in the firing at Wuzu allegedly by the Assam Rifles. A team of AR personnel was enroute Meluri town, transporting the bodies of two NSCN-K cadres, who were killed in an operation at Avangkhu, when the firing and the killing the two minors occurred. Subsequently, the JIC was set up by the Nagaland State Government on November 22, 2015 to investigate into the incident.
Present at the press conference were the Village Chairmen of Wuzu, Phor and New Phor, Pochury Mothers’ Association, Pochury Students’ Union, Pochury Youth Organisation. Injured victim Esther Jorror as well the parents of the two deceased minors were also present.
The JIC chairman, Veprasa Nyekha at the meeting stated that the intention was to enquire the truth of the Wuzu incident and to deliver justice to the victims. “We are here for Aso and Tüzali,” said Nyekha, who urged the villagers and eye witnesses present to reveal the truth and to file and testify whatever they have seen in affidavits, which will be sent to the District court.
The affidavits that will be filed will further undergo cross examination. This will be followed by court summoning of the eye witnesses and parties that have filed the written statements. The reports then will go to the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry, it was stated.
While briefing the gathering, Nyekha also stressed on the imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland, which is nearing almost 60 years, and the impunity it gives to the armed forces, which has led to the killing of many innocent lives. “There was no judicial inquiry back in the 70s, neither were there journalists. But now judiciary is developing and so is journalism,” stated Nyekha, who encouraged the gathering to have hope in the judiciary.
Penthü Pochury, Pochury Hoho president updated the Commission on the Wuzu firing incident. He alleged that the Assam Rifles were responsible for the incident, while stating that “the government officials came and examined.” “They know and they have seen all the marks and evidences,” he added.
The government provided one lakh as ex gratia to each of the deceased family and Rs. 25,000 to the injured; however Penthü pointed out that money was not enough to cover the loss of life. The gathering also expressed their disappointment over the “false reports” allegedly given by the Assam Rifles over the Wuzu incident.
Joyson Pfithu, President, Pochury Students’ Union held that the incident could have been avoided had the administration played its role properly. Reports following the incident pointed to the administration failing to play its part. According to the reports, there were no police personnel accompanying the Assam Rifles, who were transporting the bodies of the slain cadres.
Pfithu also expressed disappointment over the delay in inquiry, which has reached the seventh month. “In this period of seven months, details can get lost,” remarked Pfithu, who requested the Commission to take the matter seriously and deliver justice to the victims.
ADC Meluri while appealing to all concerned for cooperation for ensuring justice, urged the eye witnesses in particular to file and record their accounts in affidavit.
 MEETING RESOLUTION.JPG)
