Oting Massacre: Konyak CSOs demand justice

December 6, 2024 7 Views No Comment

MON, DECEMBER 6 (MExN): The Konyak Union (KU) Mon observed the 3rd Oting Massacre Black Day at its Headquarters in Mon Town on December 5.

A press release issued by the KU, Mon maintained that the day marks the tragic memory of the December 4, 2021 massacre in which 14 innocent civilians from Oting Village, returning home from work at the Tiru coal mines, were mercilessly gunned down by the 21 Para Special Forces from Jorhat.

The commemoration event was organized in collaboration with the Konyak Civil Societies (CSOs). Speeches were delivered by Tingthok Konyak, President, Konyak Union; Ponglcm Konyak, President, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong; Atem Konyak, President, Konyak Students’ Union and Yangpho Konyak, President, Oting Union, Mon Town.

The Konyak CSOs reiterated their unwavering demand for justice for the victims. The CSOs emphasized that the Government of India must ensure swill and transparent justice, without delay or excuses, to hold those responsible accountable. Such incidents must never be repeated or tolerated, as they undermine the principles of democracy and justice.

The CSOs also criticized the misuse of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) that shields perpetrators from accountability. They highlighted that the massacre was not an act of national defense or courage but a cowardly and unprofessional action against unarmed civilians. This tragedy has brought shame to the otherwise valiant and disciplined armed forces of India, it stated.

On the occasion, the Konyak Union and its affiliated CSOs demanded justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators, to complete full compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and adequate support and rehabilitation for those injured, particularly those left permanently maimed or disabled.

This observance serves as a reminder of the need for a just and humane society where such tragic incidents are not repeated, and the sanctity of civilian life is respected, the press release stated.