Oting: One year after, grief still raw, justice elusive

December 5, 2022 42 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 5

The people of Oting village gathered at the village public ground in solemn remembrance of the 14 Konyak men— 13 civilians who were killed by Indian Armed Forces on December 4 and 1 more civilian killed in the violence that ensued in Mon headquarters the next day.

The village community which included family members of the killed civilians took part in the solemn event on Sunday, lamenting the lack of justice for the deaths of W Thakwang, L Thapwang, L Langwang, L Pongche, M Langtun, Phaokam, W Hokup, W Manpeih, C Shomwang, S Khawang, P Ngampho, M Yinjong, L Leiong and Bipul Konwer.

The grief was still raw, while ensuring justice, in terms of prosecution of alleged perpetrators as well as material compensation, remains elusive.

In a eulogy to his son, Chemwang said that he would continue to fight for justice. ‘Shomwang’s death is not just a great loss for my family but also for the Konyak people and the Nagas as a whole,’ he said while urging the Konyak Union and the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) to help him get justice for the loss of his innocent son.

Recalling the tragic night that unfolded on December 4, 2021, Village Guard Commandant Lenwang Konyak underscored that the 14 men were innocent civilians. They were not involved in any ‘militant’ groups.

‘They were all innocent and anyone who kills the innocent should be punished,’ he maintained.

During the brief programme, President of Oting Students Union Keapwang expressed his belief that the government would compensate the injured victims as per the percentage of their injuries. He also mentioned the names Sheiwang, Phojem, Yeihwang and Tingshen, who according to him, were worst-affected and ‘can never stand on their own feet.’

He also appealed the Government of Nagaland to do the necessary and compensate them at the earliest, stating: “After the Oting incident their lives have completely changed and can never be normal again.”

While several other people spoke during the programme, the Oting Village Council acknowledged all well-wishers, individuals and organisations that came forward during the dark night for Oting.

After the programme, a candle light tribute was held for the departed souls along with mass prayer.

Meanwhile, it was informed that a letter has been submitted to the Chief Minister of Nagaland regarding compensation for the injured victims by Oting Citizens Forum through the local MLA and Minister Paiwang Konyak.

The village will continue to observe ‘Black Day’ on December 5 and a resolution statement would be submitted to the KU and ENPO, a village elder informed The Morung Express.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/oting-one-year-after-grief-still-raw-justice-elusive