Candlelight vigils held across Nagaland for Dec 4 victims

Staff Reporter & Correspondent DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, DEC 6 (NPN): The killing of 15 civilians by security forces at Oting in Mon district on Saturday has evoked sharp reactions from different corners of the State.

Candlelight vigils were held at various places by citizens as a mark of protest, even as many people abstained from attending Hornbill Music Festival, which was scheduled at Kisama in the evening.

Over 500 people gathered holding candles and placards at a candlelight vigil organised by Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) and Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) at DC Court Junction, Dimapur on Sunday evening in solidarity with the cold-blooded killing of innocent civilians at Oting, Mon.

ENPUD president Shahoto Yimchunger urged the people to remember the purpose of the even and appealed to all to remain non-violent.

Speaking on the incident, he condemned the cowardice act of the security forces. He urged Government of India (GoI) to listen to the voices of Nagas and immediately repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

On his part, KUD president Mosa Konyak remarked that it was not only the Konyaks’ or Eastern Nagas that were hurt, but the entire Naga community. He urged the gathering not to be disheartened and appealed to all to pray for the bereaved families and lost souls.

In his speech, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president Etsungmomo Kikon urged all Nagas to stand and fight united till justice was delivered. He assured support and assistance from NCD, while appealing to the gathering to fight for their rights in democratic manner.

Speaking on behalf of Naga student community, K Temjen Jamir said it was very tragic, hurting, and painful to see lives of innocent 15 Nagas cut short by the security forces.

“You are not here to protect us. We feel insecure in your presence,” he stated, adding that Nagas were capable of sorting our problem.

He also demanded that the perpetrators be booked and persecuted for first degree murder, while reiterating that the AFSPA should be revoked immediately.

Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) adviser pointed out that security forces were meant to provide security and protect citizens, not terrorise them by killing innocent people.

He alleged that many Nagas had been killed by forces by always putting the blame on “false intel” and “mistaken identity” under the cover AFSPA. He questioned whether the intelligence of security forces were to kill innocent civilians.

When all underground groups were in peaceful negotiations with New Delhi, he questioned the intention of the Central government to still have AFSPA in Nagaland.

The programme was chaired by Dimapur Eastern Naga Students Union (DENSU) president Bendangnuken A Phom.

Leaders from various organisations like Western Sumi Hoho, Tenyimi Union Dimapur, etc, also addressed the gathering.

Candlelight march at Kisama: Hundreds of people marched at Kisama entry gate holding candles and placards under the aegis of Konyak Students’ Union Kohima to mourn those killed at Oting on Saturday.

The placards read names of the deceased and slogans like “We want justice”, “We condemn the killing of Innocent civilians by the Indian Army”, etc.

Addressing the crowd, Konyak Union Kohima president Angnyei Konyak asserted that unless AFSPA was repealed, “our lives” were uncertain. He asked whether armed forces were deployed in the State to protect or kill innocent people.

On his part, Eastern Naga Public Union Kohima president N Toshi Chang said the Saturday’s incident was not new. He said for so many decades now Naga people were telling the government to free the State from AFSPA.

He demanded that the Centre should not let such incidents happen again. Otherwise, he warned that Nagas will not sit idle. He called on the gathering to speak out in one voice to remove the act.

Representatives from Eastern College Students’ Union, Konyak Students’ Union Kohima and Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union also spoke at the gathering.

NSF: Naga Students Federation (NSF) also organised a candle light service and prayer session at its office on Sunday night.

In a solidarity message, former NSF president Achumbemo Kikon said Nagas had suffered alot at the hands of Indian security forces.

He said Nagas had been asserting to live free because “we” are born free and as much as Nagas respect the freedom of India the latter should also do the same.

He pointed out that at a time when Nagas were looking for a peaceful resolution and settlement the actions of the Indian armed forces were uncalled for.

He questioned whether this was how India should respond to the Nagas desire for peace.

Kikon pointed out that for a long time NSF had been all out against the draconian law Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and demanded repeal of the Act.

During the presidential address, Kegwayhun Tep vehemently condemned the heinous crime perpetrated upon the civilians by the Indian armed forces.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/candlelight-vigils-held-across-nagaland-for-dec-4-victims/246015.html