Remembering Oting: Vigils in Dimapur, Kohima demand justice

December 5, 2022 33 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | December 5

A candle light vigil ‘Remembering the lives lost on December 4 and 5, 2021 Massacre,’ was organised by the Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) on Sunday evening at the Konyak Community Centre, Purana Bazaar while the Naga Students’ Federation also observed a solemn ceremony marking the anniversary of the incident.

Addressing the gathering in Dimapur, A Mosa Konyak, President of KUD, noted that December 4 and 5 were declared as ‘black days’ according to the directives of the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to all the federating units.

“We never expected or won’t expect in the future to face such an inhumane act,” he said. Terming the Oting incident as unfortunate, he added went on to state that questions about the true motive, how it was carried out, and who will be held responsible, are still left to be answered.

He said that even in the years to come, the people would be observing this day and thus appealed for full cooperation from the community. We want justice, he added.

A representative of the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD) appreciated the solidarity shared by the 7 communities of Eastern Nagaland through their presence at the event.

Stating that the 14 men are no longer with us, their memories would live on in us. He urged for full unity to fight for justice for the departed souls and their bereaved families in the days to come.

Auchingsonla Chang, a representative from the Dimapur Eastern Naga Students Union (DENSU), stated that observing December 4 as a ‘black day’ is a reminder to each one of us about the lives of the 14 brothers who lost their lives in the ‘massacre.’

“Today as I stand here and give my solidarity speech, I not only speak on behalf of DENSU but on behalf of all the Eastern youths,” she said.

Further emphasising that it is not about a single tribe or community, but about humanity, she asserted that, ‘No statement can ever justify the killing of innocent people; and what hurts the most is the fact that justice is still not delivered till this day.’

Although investigation has been completed and 30 personnel charge sheeted, yet their prosecution sanction were grounded by the Supreme Court on the petition filed by the wife of the charge sheeted Major. “If only the Supreme Court would also listen to the plea of thousands of Nagas, as they have listened to the plea of a single person,” she lamented.

The significance of the evening, she said, ‘is a way to tell the perpetrators and the world that our wounds are not cured, our tears are not dried, and our pain has not gone yet.’

Tributes from various artists in solidarity with the victims poured in during the programme. The evening was chaired by Aying Wee, President of Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong Dimapur (KNSKD) while benediction was led by Rev Tonlong, President of Konyak Baptist Church Dimapur (KBCD).

Meanwhile, in Kohima the NSF team along with the representatives from All Nagaland College Students’ Union, All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) also paid homage to 14 civilians of ‘who were brutally massacred by the Indian armed forces at Oting in 2021.’

The flag of the Federation will be flying at half mast today and tomorrow in honour of the innocent lives cruelly taken away from us by our adversaries, according to the NSF.

NSF president Kegwayhun Tep in his speech reaffirmed the non-cooperation extended by the Federation towards the Indian Armed Forces/para military forces across the Naga homeland while also extending his solidarity to the family members of the victims.

He lamented that justice is yet to be served.

NSF General Secretary Süpuni Ng Philo asserted that the Federation along with its units and sub-ordinate bodies would continue to work towards ensuring that the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is repealed from the entire Naga homeland.

He added that Naga people shall overcome despite the vicious policies of “our adversaries.”

Earlier, the programme which was held at NSF office in Kohima, was chaired by NSF Secretary (Social & Culture) Benjong Longchar while vote of thanks was proposed by NSF Vice President Atokiho Sumi.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/remembering-oting-vigils-in-dimapur-kohima-demand-justice