Members of civil society organisations of Eastern Nagaland observe the ‘Black Day’ marking the second anniversary of Oting incident at PPC Hall, Longleng on December 5. (Photo Courtesy: PPC)
‘Black Day’ observed in Mon & Longleng
Longleng/Mon, December 5 (MExN): Marking the second anniversary of the Oting massacre as a ‘Black Day,’ the Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs) on December 5 called upon the Government of India to “expedite the delivery of justice and to wash away the blood stains on its hands.”
“Until justice is served befittingly against the perpetrators, the Konyak community remains steadfast in its pursuit of closure and accountability,” stated a press release from Konyak Union (KU) President Tingthok Konyak.
In Mon, KU organised a "Black Day" programme at its Headquarters Office marking the tragic massacre of 14 civilians on December 4-5, 2021, at Oting village reportedly by the 21 Para Security Forces in a botched operation.
As per the release, at the poignant gathering, speeches were delivered by KU President Tingthok; President, KNSK Ponglem Konyak; and Vice President, KSU Yuwang.
Meanwhile, the release said that the Konyak CSOs had entrusted the justice system of the nation to deliver fitting justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable under the law.
However, the CSOs lamented that justice has been delayed and unserved, emphasizing that “wounds inflicted upon innocent Konyak brothers shall remain unhealed” until it is delivered.
Accordingly, they called upon the State Government to demonstrate responsibility and accountability by actively pursuing the case for justice.
The CSO also urged the GoI to expedite the delivery of justice and asserted that the Konyak community remains steadfast in its pursuit of closure and accountability.
The Eastern Nagaland CSOs in Longleng town, including the Phom People’s Council (PPC), Phomla Hoichem, Phom Students’ Conference, and Dobashis, also observed 'Black Day' at the PPC Hall on Tuesday.
The sombre occasion saw the hoisting of a black flag at the PPC’s office, marking the second anniversary of the unfortunate Oting incident, informed a statement from the Council.
On the occasion, the presidents of the PSC as well as Phomla Hoichem reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for the victims and the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, it said.
The event concluded with a mass benediction by the congregation, underscoring the collective determination to strive for justice, equality, and a peaceful future for the people of the Nagas, it added.
Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, Dr Nuklu Phom underscored the crucial need for unity among Eastern tribes to enhance the overall well-being of the region.
Dr Henshet Phom, Vice President of Yingli College, shed light on the systematic disadvantages faced by the people in Eastern Nagaland and urged leaders to unite and stressed the importance of committed leadership for the welfare of the Eastern people and the Naga community as a whole.
