Kohima: As Nagaland celebrates the 25th Hornbill Festival, the Konyak Naga community held a somber commemoration at the Konyak Morung to mark the third anniversary of the Oting massacre, where 14 civilians were killed by security forces on December 4, 2021, in a tragic case of mistaken identity.
A silent prayer ceremony for the victims was held by the community at thw Konyak Morung at Kisama led by Jeiang Konyak, Vice President of the Konyak Union Kohima (KUK) as the chairperson.
Oting elder Noklang Konyak addressed the gathering, expressing the deep grief that continues to haunt the residents of Oting. He highlighted the ongoing suffering of the survivors and the families of the victims, who, he said, “continue to live in misery.”
Pangom W., General Secretary of the Konyak Students’ Union Kohima (KSUK), condemned the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), describing it as a draconian law that violates human rights. “Nagas are suffering under AFSPA. Innocent lives have been lost for no fault of theirs,” he said, urging the government to repeal the law.
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KUK President Angnyei reiterated the community’s condemnation of the killings and made two key appeals. He said that yhe Supreme Commander of the Indian Army should ensure that such incidents are never repeated.
The Government of India must revoke AFSPA from Nagaland and other northeastern states to allow people to live in peace and harmony, he added.
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