Students, faculty and staff of Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) participating in the candlelight vigil service in solidarity with the Oting villagers organised by Eastern Naga Students’ Union, PCC at the Bundrock auditorium on Tuesday evening.
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 9
On World Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10, as Nagas reflect on the Oting killings, many have been reminded of past human rights violations meted out on Nagas under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) 1958.
It was clearly a case of human rights violation, says Pangmei Konyak, Press Secretary, Konyak Union, speaking on the Oting killings. “The basic human right to live was taken from them. The government should know that. The North East community has gravely suffered and haunted by the AFSPA, and all we want and ask for is for this law to be repealed,” adds Konyak.
“Oting is a repetition of what has happened to us in the past. What happened in Oting, is a reminder of what our history has been all these years,” reflects Neingulo Krome, Secretary General, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR).
In recent memory, one is reminded of the 1994 Mokokchung massacre where seven civilians were shot dead and five burned alive in their homes; the 1995, March 5 incident in Kohima where seven civilians were killed and 36 people injured; and the 2015, July 16, Wuzu killings where two young student were killed—all committed under the impunity of the AFSPA.
“On this Human Rights Day, we are posed with a series of challenges on questions of justice, equality, dignity and human rights in and beyond the confinement of our homeland,” says Kegwayhun Tep, President, Naga Students' Federation (NSF).
Tep views that the continuous violations of human rights against the innocent by the armed forces over the last several decades has gravely disturbed and traumatized the people. For Tep, AFSPA challenges the very existence of basic human values.
“The 14 civilians who were massacred at Oting village, Mon on December 4 by the armed forces shielded behind the AFSPA regime accounts for one of the many instances where human rights were grossly violated in the past and even in the recent history ever since the Act was enacted. Justice must be served to the victims and against the perpetrators of the heinous crime without further delay. May the world bear witness to the plights of the Nagas and in fair judgment, may justice and humanity prevail,” asserts Tep.
This year's theme for World Human Rights Day focuses on ‘Equality, Reducing Inequalities Advancing Human Rights.’ As for Nagas and those under the shadow of AFSPA, the absolute demand remains the repealing of the draconian law.
