Lotha Hoho seeks intervention of Nagaland Governor for justice into the October 23 firing incident
Morung Express News
Wokha | October 26
The public peace rally called by the Lotha Hoho and frontal organizations to protest against the ‘unprovoked violation’ of the peaceful atmosphere in Wokha district by the 28 Assam Rifles on October 23, 2016 was held on Wednesday.
Thousands of public in traditional attires and students in uniform gathered at Police point, Wokha town with placards and banners to decry the action of the 28 Assam Rifles who had allegedly attacked the Naga Army of the GPRN/NSCN killing one cadre and injuring another.
The paramilitary troops had walked 40 kilometers from its outpost to attack the party of the GRPN/NSCN at Pvurhikyo near Chubi River under Okotso village, Wokha, the Lotha Hoho reported.
The Hoho said it had also ascertained through various sources and local witness that there was no spot provocation by the GPRN/NSCN, as indicated by the “food-filled mouth of the deceased cadre, testifying that the assaulted were totally caught unaware.”
Representatives from a number of organizations including Lotha Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Youth Hoho and individuals spoke during the rally after which the protesters marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to hand over a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Nagaland.
In the memorandum, a copy of which was made available to the media, the Lotha Hoho on behalf of the public of Wokha district sought the intervention of the Governor for delivery of justice by setting up of an ‘Enquiry Commission’ for detailed verification on the incident.
It said the Ceasefire Monitoring Group must ensure that cadres of Naga Political Groups (NPGs) do not stray from their designated camps, so that they do not provoke and do not disrupt the prevailing peaceful atmosphere. It also demanded that the culprits be awarded befitting punishment.
Maintain utmost restraint: NMA to security forces
Upset over the action of the 28 Assam Rifles for killing a cadre of the GPRN/NSCN and causing injury to another on October 23 at Okotso village under Wokha district, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has appealed to the security forces to maintain peace and adhere to the ceasefire ground rules.
NMA in a press statement pointed out that when the Government of India (GoI) is in ceasefire with the concerned Naga Political Group, the security forces are expected to maintain utmost restraint in order to pave way for smooth talks for early settlement of conflict.
“However, the security forces under the patronage of the AFSPA have time and again committed excessive use of power thereby causing loss of human lives, injuries, mistrust and fear not only to the NPG but to the common people too,” it lamented.
The NMA meanwhile urged the GoI to set up an Inquiry Commission to see the lapses and award befitting punishment as per law.
