Oting killings clear case of abuse, misuse of AFSPA: Rio

Correspondent KOHIMA, DEC 10 (NPN) | Publish Date: 12/9/2021 1:20:21 PM IST

Upping the ante, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the unfortunate incident at Oting was a clear case of both abuse and misuse of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Speaking at the event “In Memoriam” in honour and memory of 14 Konyak brothers who were massacred by 21 Para Special Forces of Indian Army on December 4, he termed the incident as the “most unfortunate and careless act by the Indian security forces”.

He pointed out AFSPA legitimised killing on mere suspicion, adding that Oting was not the first time where civilians had to bear the brunt of the draconian law.

He recalled that Nagas had opposed the Act for decades and they would continue to advocate its removal. Calling the Konyaks as the “bravest and fiercest” among the Nagas, Rio said he understood their anger and sadness inflicted on them by the security forces. However, he appealed to them not to retaliate violently, “not because they could not but because they would not”.

He stressed that it was time to defeat violence with non-violence and for the biggest Naga tribe to show the world that they also had the biggest heart.He thanked families of the 14 deceased Konyak brothers, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), Konyak Union (KU), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) and the Konyak people for displaying maturity and magnanimity in the present crisis.

Citing a native American proverb “It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace,” the chief minister appealed to all Nagas to shun the path of violence.

He pointed out that unless the Nagas showed and proved themselves to be peace loving and non-violent, “our” demand for repeal of AFSPA would carry less weight.

“Let us say that we do not want AFSPA and also show that we do not need it,” he stressed.

He urged the people to ensure that no force could derail the hard-won peace as Nagas had suffered for generations and today the people were saying “enough is enough”.

Rio hoped that through the event “In Memoriam” rest of India and the world would not only understand “our” story but also feel “our” pulse of wanting lasting peace.

He hoped that the light of Christmas brought by Jesus Christ would continue to shine in Nagaland, especially during this dark time.

In his short speech, former chief minister and NPF Legislative Party leader TR Zeliang said the Nagas were speechless both out of sadness and anger because of the situation.

However, he remarked that God was with “us” and that He would lead “us” in our quest for truth and justice.

Zeliang conveyed his deepest condolences to the Konyak brothers who were mercilessly massacred by the security forces on December 4 and 5.

At a time when the Nagas were hoping for a breakthrough in the Indo-Naga issue, he said the incident has come as a shock to everyone.

He stressed that at a time like this, it was important for everyone to stand united and fight for “our” rights.

While urging the State government to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice, Zeliang said no amount of reason could justify the killing of innocent civilians.

He mentioned ever since its inception in 1958, AFSPA had done nothing good to the country and its people, except pain and suffering that had only further disintegrated the people.

Therefore, he said, it was high time to repeal the draconian law immediately in order to avoid inhuman atrocities on citizens.

Zeliang said every year the State government and the governor had been writing to the Centre against imposing AFSPA in Nagaland. However, the Centre continued extending the law every year despite the peace deal between Government of India (GOI) and NSCN (I-M) in 1997 and signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, besides the Agreed Position signed by seven NNPGs with New Delhi on November 17, 2017, he added.

He stressed that it was high time for people the entire North-eastern region to come together and fight for their rights.

The NPF leader commented that the request for a special Assembly session by some civil society organisations was justified and the government should consider it.

In his speech, KU Kohima president H Angnyei Konyak thanked everyone who had shown solidarity with the community and hoped that they would continue to support until justice was delivered.

Mentioning KU had submitted a memorandum with a charter of demands to President, Prime Minister and home minister of India, he demanded that GoI should revoke AFSPA in view of the pain of the people and seeing their unity.

He warned that any delay in repealing the Act could result in another Oting-type incident where anyone could be a victim.

Earlier, a prayer was offered by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) general secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, while Kohima Ao Baptist Church senior pastor Rev Sentisashi Aier chaired the programme.

Deputy chief minister Y Patton proposed the vote of thanks.

Performers during the tribute event included Kewhira Strings Quartet, Nagaland Conservatory of Music choir, Sanctuary Choir, Chubatola Imsong, Tali Angh, Konyak Youth (East Story), Bozio Nienu and Ameü Üsou Zao choir.

The event was compered by Khyochano TCK and a two-minute silence was observed in memory of the victims.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/oting-killings-clear-case-of-abuse-misuse-of-afspa-rio/246294.html