Dimapur, October 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), and the Tenyimi Union Nagaland (TUN) today joined others in strongly denouncing the drone strike on October 20 in Khammoi (Khenmoi-Loiyi) village, a Naga village across the Indo-Myanmar border near Longwa.
In separate statements issued on October 23, the organisations expressed deep concern over the incident, which they alleged was carried out by Indian armed forces, leading to the deaths of a young student leader and a minor, and causing extensive damage to private property.
The attack reportedly claimed the lives of a six-year-old girl and a young student leader, while injuring several others and damaging properties.
India must not lose its democratic vision: NBCC
The NBCC condemned both the October 20 incident in Khammoi and the earlier October 16 attack on an Assam Rifles check post near Manmao in Arunachal Pradesh, reportedly carried out by the NSCN (Yung Aung group).
Expressing dismay over the deaths of two civilians, including a minor, and injuries to several others, the NBCC said such incidents evoke painful memories of the violence suffered by Nagas in the past.
“The NBCC is highly concerned by this fearful and unrestful tension,” it said.
To this end, the Council stated that India, as the largest democratic country in the world, should not allow military crime and must not lose sight of its preamble, democratic vision, and foundation.
The Council extended its condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers and solidarity to the people of Khammoi and the Eastern Konyak Region.
Meanwhile, the NBCC condemned both incidents and called upon all parties to respect and value human lives, which are created in the image of God.
“NBCC abhors bloodshed and does not support violence in any form,” it added.
It also appealed to all Naga national groups to abandon violence and engage in democratic means and processes to assert the Naga struggle and the historical legitimacy of the people.
Violation of international humanitarian laws: NSF
The NSF denounced what it described as a “targeted drone assault” on civilians, terming it a violation of international humanitarian laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Geneva Conventions, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
The Federation said the incident reflects a “disturbing pattern of militarised suppression and systemic impunity” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
Calling for an independent international investigation, the NSF urgently appealed to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to launch a fact-finding mission and to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to issue a situational report on alleged violations under AFSPA.
The Federation reiterated its demand for the immediate and unconditional repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland and reaffirmed its decision to continue non-cooperation with armed forces across all federating units until the Act is repealed.
In continued protest against militarisation and state-sponsored violence, the NSF further reaffirmed its non-cooperation with armed forces across all federating units and subordinate bodies of NSF until AFSPA is repealed.
It also urged all democratic nations, humanitarian organisations, and conscience-driven citizens to “condemn this atrocity and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable within the frameworks of international criminal law.”
The NSF also extended condolences to the grieving families and stated that it stands in solidarity in mourning and demanding justice.
Reflection of ‘continued militarisation and occupation’: TUN
The TUN likewise condemned the alleged drone attack, terming it a gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.
It described the incident as reflective of the “continued militarisation and occupation” of Naga territories by India and Myanmar, and called for global attention and accountability.
The Union appealed to international bodies, including the United Nations, UN Human Rights Council, and the International Criminal Court, to condemn the attack, undertake an independent investigation, and hold those responsible accountable.
It further urged all Nagas, both within and outside the region, to stand united in condemnation and provide humanitarian support for the affected families and communities.
