Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 13
The call for justice and repealing of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) continue to reverberate as the 7-day period of mourning, declared by the Konyak Union in the aftermath of the December 4 and 5 killing of innocent civilians by the security forces, came to a close on December 13.
In Dimapur, the Konyak community marked the closing by organizing a candle-light programme at the Konyak Community Centre, Purana Bazaar on Monday evening.
A Mosa, President of the Konyak Union Dimapur, said that bringing justice to the perpetrators demands the unfailing support of all and added that the Naga community has not failed in rallying with the Konyak brethren. “We are happy with the support shown by the entire Naga community and this should continue. Everyone is crying and we are touched that you are sharing our grief,” he said, while calling for one Naga community to prevail till justice is delivered.
The Eastern Nagaland People's Union, Dimapur (ENPUD) said that the period of mourning may have come to a close but the “battle (for justice) is not over yet” averring to the road ahead for justice to the victims and the bereaved families.
“We seek peace in our land. In order to bring peace let us stand together firm, so deep-rooted that no storm can shake us,” was the message from the Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union President. As young Naga, he said that he yearns for a life free of fear yet the existence of the AFSPA “is causing fear.” “The real battle begins from this moment onward. There has to be fair trial and unless the AFSPA is removed there cannot be fair trial,” he asserted.
“We say we are living in our own land but we live in constant fear under the AFSPA. We want AFSPA removed and justice to the victims. Let us all remain faithful not only today but even in the days to come. As women, as mothers we are with you,” was the call from the President of the Eastern Nagaland Women’s Organisation Dimapur.
Rev Dr Wati Aier, Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), said that the victims of December 4 represent the Naga community. He also reminded that unlike in the past when military excesses were not heard beyond the state borders, this time, he said that the world beyond has taken notice of the mourning of the Nagas. According to him, Naga reconciliation is the work of God and it calls for “essential unity.”
According to FNR member Dr Aküm Longchari the people have gathered not only to mourn but to fight for the living. Aküm, who was part of a 6-member FNR team to Oting and Mon on December 10-11, while sharing the experiences of the team said that the Oting incident brought to fore the utter disregard for the right to life and the right to personal liberty under the AFSPA. He said, “We all want peace, not short term peace that is imposed from above but a long term peace that is based on justice and freedom.”
Alluding to the differing accounts of the incident, he said that there appears to be a “clash between two truths” between the people affected and the people in power— one wanting to tell the truth (of the incident) and the other wanting to keep the truth hidden.
“In order for the light to shine, Oting and the Konyak community must tell the story, he said, while adding, “It is important for the truth to light our path.” He said that amidst the tragedy, an opportunity was presented for Nagas “to surmount the crisis that we live in.” Nepuni Piku, another FNR member said that the AFSPA is only a symptom where it is being used as a tool to keep the Nagas down.
