‘How long will Nagas be suppressed under AFSPA?’
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 16
Under a cloudy July 16 evening, students in Kohima solemnly huddled at the Old MLA junction to commemorate the one-year death anniversary of 13-year old Aso and 14-year old Tüzali killed during the Wuzu firing incident on July 16, 2015, under Meluri sub-division of Phek district.
A candlelight vigil jointly organised by the Naga Students’ Federation and the Pochury Students’ Union was observed.
“Their lives were taken away from a society which could not protect them or give them justice,” said Neingulo Krome, Secretary General NPMHR, who sought forgiveness from Late Aso and Tüzali for failing to secure justice to them while also expressing shame and disgust at the Government of Nagaland and the civil societies for failing to address the issue.
“Aso and Tüzali were not Undergrounds or Freedom fighters. They were just children. They were crucified. Their life was taken away in such a short time. How many more innocent lives will the Government of India (GoI) take away from us?” questioned Krome.
He lamented that so many young students continue to die because of AFSPA while also remembering Lt. Vikhozo and Kekuojalie who were shot down 30 years ago while protesting against AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act.
“If we want to stop this, the whole society needs to change. But the change coming from us is not enough. The change should come from the top,” maintained Krome.
Positing that the Naga public has become slaves to the new situation where the NPGs are enjoying their freedom with the Ceasefire, Krome pointed out that the Naga leaders both over ground and underground must prove themselves to bring about an honorable settlement and drive out the Indian forces. “Otherwise make way for the new Naga generation to do what they want to,” Krome stated.
“How long will Nagas be suppressed by the Indian security forces?” questioned Subenthung Kithan while delivering a solidarity speech. Recalling the atrocities committed by the Indian Army in the past, Kithan called for demilitarization of frontiers and borders by the Government of India ‘which are supplemented by the operational influence under AFSPA to subjugate human security.’
“For all of us who live in the capital, very few will understand the situation the villager at the border areas goes through. The impunity and immunity of the AFSPA has been going on for years in those areas. It is a shame, if we cannot stand up for this cause, we will continue to lose our children,” said Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor NMA. As mothers who have seen numerous atrocities and being the biggest victims of AFSPA, Dr. Rosemary called upon the Government of Nagaland for speedy finalization of the inquiry commission. She also informed that the NMA and Pochury Mothers’ Association had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court wherein the case was referred back to the High Court.
Chuba Ozukum, President, Naga Hoho reminded the gathering, of the atrocities and oppression committed against the Nagas in the 1960s.
Ozukum also recalled the murders and torture of the Pochury leaders during the Matikhrü incident and the Thuda Post war and saluted the Pochury people for their sacrifices. “The occupational forces in Nagaland, under the guise of AFSPA, the Indian Security forces committed heinous crimes against the innocent. Their own soldiers are committing worse crimes than the terrorists,” asserted Ozukum while calling upon the people to unite and fight against such oppressive forces.
Pochury orgs resent delay of Wuzu firing investigation
DIMAPUR, JULY 16 (MExN): Various organizations from the Pochury community have expressed resentment over the sluggish pace in which the enquiry commission constituted to probe into the July 16 Wuzu firing incident was going.
It said the multi independent enquiries of different agencies including the administration, police, magisterial, state government, Assam Rifles and 12-Para commandos have failed to provide factual and impartial report as demanded by the public.
This sentiment was expressed during a consultative meeting of Pochury Hoho office bearers, frontal organizations and range presidents under Pochury area on July 16 to deliberate on the progress of probe into the Wuzu firing incident.
Questioning the insincere initiative and delay tactics, Pochury Hoho, Pochury GB Union and Pochury Mothers’ Association in a joint press statement has appealed for a fast track investigation so that the family of the Wuzu firing incident victims gets justice at the earliest.
The organizations also lamented that if the AR and Para commandoes had not touched and carried the bodies of the slain NSCN (K) cadres in the first place, the incident could have been avoided. It therefore squarely blamed the security forces for the cause of the incident.
The Pochury organizations also urged the Government of India to withdraw the AFSPA and DAA from Nagaland in order to usher in peace.
