Remembering ‘Ayatai’

December 28, 2024 2 Views No Comment

Mokokchung commemorates 30th anniversary of 1994 tragedy

Morung Express News
Mokokchung | December 28

A candlelight service was held on December 27 at the Main Police Point in Mokokchung Town to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragic incident locally referred to as “Ayatai Mokokchung.” The memorial service was organized through the collective efforts of the citizens of Mokokchung.

The incident occurred on December 27, 1994, when personnel from the 10th Assam Rifles and the 16th Maratha Light Infantry of the Indian Army a retaliatory operation in Mokokchung following an alleged ambush. The operation resulted in loss of civilian lives, extensive destruction and widespread trauma.

Reflecting on the fateful day, Lanukaba Imchen, Convener of the Victims’ Union 1994, described how the incident appeared to be premeditated. He recounted that telephone lines had been cut early in the morning and the town was already filled with army personnel before the violence began. Houses were searched and looted, and the destruction escalated around 10 am. when the personnel began firing, burning houses and shops, and even detonating bombs.

According to Imchen, seven civilians were shot dead, five others—including a child—were burned alive, and eight women were reportedly raped. A total of 89 shops, 49 houses, 17 vehicles, and seven two-wheelers were reduced to ashes, with additional properties damaged by gunfire and shelling.

Imchen questioned the absence of a memorial monolith to honor the victims, pointing out that the Assam Rifles have erected a monolith in the town listing personnel killed since 1951. He lamented that despite the loss of innocent lives and the atrocities committed, no monument exists to remember the victims of the “Ayatai” incident.

MB Longkumer, Convenor of the Ao Senden Special Committee on the incident, reflected on his role as the one-man committee appointed to approach the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi. He recalled his meeting with the NHRC chairman and members, who extended their support and even visited Mokokchung in April 1995 to meet with victims, citizens, civil societies and organizations. Longkumer also expressed gratitude to the individuals, associations, and unions who had supported the cause in New Delhi.

The memorial service, titled “Ayatai: Remembering 27 December 1994,” was led by Aowati Ozükum, Vice President of Ao Senden, while the remembrance prayer was offered by Matsüng Longkumer, Assistant Pastor of Sungkomen Baptist Arogo. The event also featured a performance of the song “Ayatai.”