KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 21 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has strongly condemned the ‘travesty of justice’ for the victims of the Oting massacre by the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of India.
“As mothers, we are deeply aggrieved and chocked with the quashing of the FIRs by the SC and non sanction of prosecution against these perpetrators of the Oting massacre by the central government,” the NMA said in a press release on Saturday.
India calls itself the largest democracy but still continues to impose the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which is against every form of human rights and Nagas have been the biggest victims of Indian Army atrocities against civilians,” it stated.
The NMA has called upon friends from Indian civil society to stand up for justice for Oting massacre victims and many other such shameful acts of the Indian Army in Oinam, Wuzu killings in Mokokchung, Kohima bombing and killings, Pangsha ITC Dan killings of civilian and maiming women for life and so on nowhere no justice has been seen till date.
“The list is endless; our hearts continue to question the policies of the Indian government towards our people and region for decades with militarization and army atrocities,” it added.
The NMA also urged the Nagaland Government and the Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, who hails from the village to raise their voices in unison for justice, which has been denied to the Oting victims and their families.
It also called upon the Governor of Nagaland to ensure that sanction for prosecution is granted by the central government and the state government appeals with a review position. It is a mockery of law to claim lack of substantial evidence when the SIT report has been placed before authorities including the Supreme Court, the NMA said while reminding that the rights of citizens including women to peace and security has been violated for decades by the Indian Armed forces in Naga areas.
The NMA also called for immediate repeal of the AFSPA to ensure democracy and respect for human rights.
