Kohima: The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has expressed deep anguish over the Supreme Court of India’s recent ruling that quashes criminal proceedings against army personnel involved in the Oting massacre.
This decision has been met with outrage from the mothers, who were part of a fact-finding team that visited Oting village shortly after the tragic incident.
“India calls itself the largest democracy but still continues to impose the Armed Forces Special Powers Act which is against every form of humans rights and Nagas have been the biggest victims of Indian Army atrocities against civilians,” the NMA stated.
Through a statement signed by NMA president Vilanuo Angela Yhome and joint secretary Vitono Haralu, the women body called on Indian civil society to stand in solidarity with them, highlighting a history of violence and injustice inflicted on the Naga community, including incidents in Oinam, Mokokchung, and Kohima.
“The list is endless; our hearts continue to question the policies of the Indian Govt towards our people and region for decades with militarization and army atrocities,” they said.
The NMA urged the Nagaland State Government and the Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) who hails from Oting, to unite in demanding justice for the Oting victims and their families.
They appealed to the Governor of Nagaland to ensure that sanction for prosecution is granted by the Central government and the State government appeals with a Review petition.
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“It is a mockery of the law to claim lack of substantial evidence when the SIT report has been placed before authorities including the Supreme Court. The rights of citizens including women to peace and security has been violated for decades by the Indian Armed Forces in Naga areas,” the NMA said.
The mothers sought the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, asserting that it is essential for democracy and the protection of human rights.
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