Konyak CSOs firm on ‘non-cooperation’ resolution

Tripartite talks held in Mon 

Mon, February 7 (MExN): The Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs), the Assam Rifles and the Mon district administration held its first round table tripartite talk in the aftermath of the December 4 and 5 killings in Mon district.

Members of the Konyak CSOs with the Assam Rifles team and district administration officials during the tripartite talk on February 7. (Photo Courtesy: Konyak CSOs Media Cell)

According to a press communiqué received on Monday, the Konyak CSOs comprising the Konyak Union (KU), Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), and Konyak Students' Union (KSU) met with a team from the Assam Rifles headed by Major General Viskhas Lakhera, SM, IGAR North, Brig Chatterjee 7 Sector Tuensang, Rippon Bora CO 27 AR Mon and Leut Col Atong Konyak, on February 7 at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall. From the district administration, the Mon DC and Additional Superintendent of Police attended the meeting.

The development comes a day after the Konyak Union submitted a representation to the President of India, reiterating its demand for speedy justice for the victims of Oting massacre.

In the representation, it had demanded that all the “officers and jawans involved in massacring of 14 innocent Konyak youths must be booked under applicable civil court and Action taken report must be brought before the public domain.” It also asked for all the Army camps located within the vicinity of civilian areas to be vacated immediately along with the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

As per the communiqué, during the meeting, the Assam Rifles team had brought up the “Total restriction of convoy and patrolling of the Armed forces within Konyak jurisdiction since December 5, 2021,” and the non-cooperation resolution issued by the Konyak CSOs. In this connection, the CSOs maintained that the issue of convoy and patrolling would have to be tackled at the higher level between the state government or Home department and the Assam Rifles. However, in terms of the ‘non-cooperation’ resolution with the Indian armed forces, “the Konyak CSOs had made it clear that it shall not withdraw its stance until justice is delivered and moreover, such decision shall be taken at the ENPO level.”

On the question put forward by the Konyak CSOs as to how and when justice is to be delivered, the communiqué stated that “the officials from the Assam Rifles had admitted that the judiciary process is beyond their hands but had admitted in full assurance that justice will be delivered by any means.”

Further, the communiqué stated that in terms of various undergoing and upcoming developmental programmes initiated by the Assam Rifles (Military Civic Action Plans), as tabled by the Assam Rifles in the meeting, the Konyak CSO made it’s stand clear that it expected “Justice first, Development next.”

It further stated that a second round table talk, as suggested by the Major General, may be held “depending on the gravity of the situation.”

Konyak CSOs appeal citizens, Naga political groups

Following the tripartite talks, the Konyak CSOs appealed to the Konyak community to abide by the decision of the State Government on the issue pertaining to Army patrolling and convoying. It also requested all the Naga political groups to adhere to the resolutions adopted by the Konyak general masses which were notified on December 20, 2021, and restrain from “unwanted activities” so that the Konyak people can pursue their demand for justice.

Further, it said that while the order to use black flags in every cars and vehicles have been relaxed, the black flags put up in memory of the 14 innocent victims “shall remain hoisted in front of all the CSO offices as a sign of solidarity until justice against the atrocities is delivered.”