Several civil society organizations took part in a sit-in-protest in Imphal to condemn the Oting killings in Nagaland state under Mon district.
Newmai News Network
Imphal | December 9
Several civil society organizations took part in a sit-in-protest in Imphal today to condemn the Oting killings in Nagaland state under Mon district and also show solidarity to the victims.
The protest, carried under the aegis of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), also demanded complete repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the entire Northeast. The protest was carried out at Keishampat Junction in Imphal.
Placards displayed at the protest site read---”Stop killing innocent people,” “Repeal AFSPA,” “Respect right to life of Northeast people,” “COCOMI condemns Oting massacre,” etc.
Talking to reporters, COCOMI coordinator, Longjam Ratankumar said that there would be no meaning for development in the region where there is no right to life. “The Central government leaders always asserted that without developing the Northeast, India cannot be a developed country”, he said while adding, “However, they should keep in mind that there would be no meaning for development when security forces kill people at will under AFSPA.”
Ratankumar said that the December 4 Oting incident was not the first time in which security forces killed innocent people without any provocation. He also alleged that the Central security forces have been killing innocent people in the region under the shadow of the AFSPA. He said that if the BJP government at the Centre is still refusing to repeal AFSPA, it will be nothing but showcasing the double-standard view of the Centre towards the people of the region.
Students join protest rally
A large number of students from various colleges and schools took part in a rally carried out in Imphal in protest against the killing of civilians by the security forces in Nagaland.
All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) organized the rally as a part of region wide protest under the aegis of Northeast Students’ Organization (NESO) demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the Northeast region.
The students carried out the rally on the streets in Imphal in protest and condemnation against the mass killing of civilians by security forces in Mon district of Nagaland on December 4.
The slogan shouting protest rally also carried placards read as “Save democracy, repeal AFSPA”, “Give peace a chance, repeal AFSPA,” “Remove AFSPA,” etc.
The rally started from AMSU head office at DM University campus, marched on the streets in Imphal and culminated at the AMSU office.
Talking to reporters, AMSU general secretary, Bikramjit Thongam said that the protest rally was staged as a part of mass protest across the Northeast against the recent mass killing of civilians by security forces in Nagaland and demanding repeal of the AFSPA from the entire NE region.
He alleged that under the shadow of the Act, many innocent civilians have been killed by the security forces in the region. “If the Act continues to prevail in the region, such horrific incidents will continue in the region,” he added.
AMSU is demanding repeal of the Act from the entire Northeast including Manipur. AMSU will also submit a memorandum regarding the demand to the government, he added.
The AMSU general secretary declared that as a constituent of NESO, AMSU will extend its full support to NESO’s movement demanding repeal of the Act.
Naga Christian Forum Manipur condemns
Naga Christian Forum, Manipur (NCF-M), while strongly condemning the Oting killings, has offered its condolence to the victims’ families. The NCF-M also prayed for quick healing of the injured. “May the merciful Lord comfort and give strength to the near and dear ones they left behind.”
It said that the long drawn conflict situation between the “government of India and the Naga national movement” coupled with the enactment of AFSPA has set an environment where such unfortunate and painful incidents to occur and re-occur over and over again.”
Therefore, the NCF-M appealed to all the concerned authorities to bring about a final solution to the issue at the earliest “so that a condition for a true and secured mutual respect and love is ushered in.”
