Reiterates demands for booking security forces, tabling of SIT report in public domain

Mon, April 3 (MExN): The Konyak Union today stated that it is not attending a ‘Consultative meeting on Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA)’ convened by the Nagaland state government on April 4 at the Rhododendron Hall, Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima.

Considering the stand of the Konyaks at the ground zero and while contemplating upon the unattentive thought from the Government, the Union in its Advisory board meeting had resolved to abstain from attending the meeting, stated a press release from the Union. 

Justifying its decision, the KU noted that the Konyaks have been steadfastly upholding its stance for justice over the December 4 Oting massacre.

However, it noted that the   ‘delay and denial attitude of the Government seem an open truth in justifying its action as right in killing those 14 innocent youths that were massacred in quest for rank and medals,’ it noted.  

If such is the policy of the Nation then the fate of its citizen is at stake, it pointed out. 

The Konyaks had waited on various action initiated by the Government including a committee on AFSPA and Special Investigating Team constituted, but the reports are “still latent ignoring the Konyaks who had suffered at ground zero,” it added. 

“Today, the SIT report had not been tabled before the public domain nor the state Government is taking any action to bring to justice,” it alleged, further asserting that “a talk of compensation and development is nothing but appeasing the ailing Man with sweets”. 

In this connection, the KU reminded and demanded that ‘all jawans and officers involved in the killing of 14 youths must be booked under applicable civil court of law and action taken report must be brought before public domain.’

“If such action is not meted out today, then tomorrow it could be you and me. The nation must never watch in silence where atrocities over innocent citizens are being carried out the Indian armed forces are made immune to such crime,” it added. 

The KU further demanded that the State Government must also table the SIT report before the public domain “where truth should be un-earthed not just pitiful ex-gratias.” 

If not, State Government must come out clean by openly denying justice against the Oting Massacre, it added.  

The Union also expressed its disheartenment over the failure of the State and the Centre Government to remove the AFSPA 1958 from the districts of Nagaland state “even after witnessing the very recent reckless misuse of the law.” 

The AFSPA is an archaic law, and it has now only become a tool for the Government to cover up its hypocrisies and failures, it added. 

The KU is perplexed on what ground the AFSPA has been extended, and on what ground has the districts of Nagaland been declared as disturbed area as all the Naga Political Groups based in India are in ceasefire and holding Peace Talks with the Government of India, it said,

Is the Ceasefire and Peace Talks with the different Naga Political Groups are only a farce to deceive and kill innocent Naga public in the name of AFPSA? KU posed. 

It is “purely a violation of human rights when the Indian armed force instead of targeting the insurgents targets the innocent citizen,” it argued. 

The KU also questioned the Government as to why AFSPA is being enforced in a region where the citizens do not pay any tax to any Naga Political groups.

“The bold efforts and steps taken up by the Konyaks if ignored may let lose which may cradle numerous elements that defies peace existence in the State as well as the Nation,” it cautioned.

Instead the KU called for replacing the AFSPA with “sincere Peace Building and Peace Keeping Initiatives if the Ceasefire and Peace Talks with Naga Political Groups are genuine.”

To revoke the AFSPA at the earliest, the State Government must make firm decision and commitment to strengthen the existence of Law Enforcement Agencies in different parts of the State, and activate and use the State Police Force to maintain law and order, it said. 

The scheduled April 4 ‘Consultative meeting’ among others, will be attended by  state Cabinet led by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister; Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and other senior government officials.

The Union further affirmed an earlier stand that until justice is delivered on the Oting Massacre incident/atrocities committed by the 21 Para Commandos, it would also  steadfastly stick to its declared stance that: “No Konyak shall participate in any National Event Celebration and shall also continue to uphold its non cooperation stance against the Indian Armed forces for infinity.”   

Flays Chasa firing incident in Arunachal Pradesh

Meanwhile, the Konyak Union condemned what it termed as the “inhuman action of the 12 para military force that took place” at Chasa village, Arunachal Pradesh on April 1.

“Two innocent youths had been shot at while the northeastern regions in particular and the rest of the world in general is in uproar and condemnation seeking justice for 4th Dec 2021 Oting’s massacre,” it added. 

The Indian military forces have gone too far disrespecting the sentiments of the people yell out for the peaceful atmosphere, it added.