DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 5 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Organisation (NSO) and the Konyak Students Union (KSU) Myanmar have condemned “repeated drone attacks on Naga civilians in Myanmar-occupied Nagaland by Indian Armed Forces.”
A press release from the NSO said that such “cross-border military actions raise concerns regarding the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians under international law.” It particularly condemned the reported drone attack in the early hours of October 3 at around 1:00 am in Langkho Village, Lahe Township. “According to reports, two drones carried out the attack, dropping a total of four bombs on a residential house located in the middle of the village. Two bombs reportedly exploded, while the other two failed to detonate and remain buried underground at the site,” the NSO claimed.
It further stated that the attack reportedly injured two innocent civilians, including a nine-year-old Grade 5 schoolgirl and a male adult. “The unexploded bombs continue to pose an immediate and serious danger to residents, particularly children and other civilians living nearby. With no qualified personnel currently available to safely locate, remove, or defuse the unexploded ordnance, the danger remains ongoing,” it stated.
The NSO further claimed that the affected house was occupied by six civilians, “none of whom were armed or involved in any armed activity.” “The reported targeting of a civilian household in the middle of a village, where children and elderly persons were present, is deeply alarming and must be treated with utmost seriousness,” it stated.
The NSO said that “any military operation carried out by the armed forces of one state within the territory of another state raises grave concerns under international law, particularly with regard to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of unlawful use of force.” It pointed out that the Charter of the United Nations, particularly Article 2(1), affirms the sovereign equality of states, while Article 2(4) prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state.
“Where an armed conflict exists, international humanitarian law also requires parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack are fundamental protections for civilian populations,” the NSO stated.
It further stated that any military action that crosses an international border and places an unarmed civilian population at risk must be subject to strict scrutiny, accountability, and respect for international law. “Civilians, particularly children and elderly persons, must never be deliberately targeted or placed at unnecessary risk,” it added.
The NSO called upon the Government of India to immediately and transparently investigate the reported incident and ensure that those responsible for “unlawful conduct” is held accountable in accordance with applicable Indian law and its international legal obligations. It further urged the Indian armed forces to exercise the highest degree of restraint and ensure that military operations do not endanger innocent civilian communities across an international border.
Similarly, the NSO asked the Government of Myanmar not to remain silent or passive.
It has a responsibility to protect civilians, investigate reported violations, safeguard affected communities, and raise such incidents through appropriate national, diplomatic, and international channels. The safety and rights of civilians in Myanmar-occupied Nagaland must not be overlooked,” it stated.
It meanwhile called upon the United Nations, international human rights organizations, humanitarian agencies, and other relevant international bodies to “take note of these reported incidents and support an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation.”
The Konyak Students Union (KSU) Myanmar also condemned the drone attack on Langkho village. Along with injuring a 9 year old girl, a press release from the EKSU said that a 29 year old women was also hit by bomb fragment in her right ankle.
“The KSU Eastern Konyak Student Union expresses its deepest concern and solidarity with all the affected civilians and prayer for their speedy recovery and for their families. The use of explosive weapons in near civilians residential areas is unacceptable and KSU stands firmly with the people of Langkho village during this difficult time,” it stated.
The KSU Myanmar further said that the safety dignity and lives of innocent civilians must be protected “regardless of any political or national circumstance.” It urged all the right thinking citizens, civil society organizations and the international community to take this matter seriously and to ensure that innocent civilian communities are protected from further violence.
