The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) will be observing Black Day in the entire ENPO jurisdiction on 4 and 5 December on the anniversary of “the gruesome murder of innocent public in Mon district Nagaland by the Indian Security Force” or the Oting massacre, in compliance with its 14 December 2021 resolution.

On the evening of 4 December 2021, a team of 21 Para SF ambushed and fired indiscriminately at a pick up transporting innocent labourers returning home from the coal mines, killing six and grievously injuring two. The security forces fired their weapons again when confronted by angry villagers who had rushed to the spot after hearing the gun shots.

The whole incident at Longkhao, between Upper Tiru and Oting village, resulted in the death of 13 civilians.

The apex body of Eastern Nagaland directed black flags to be hoisted “in all the households” of the seven tribes under it.

ENPO also requested all to “spend some time to say a prayer remembering those souls & their family members, and to continue to prevail peaceful environment in Eastern Nagaland region”.

Eastern Nagaland Peoples Union Dimapur unit, meanwhile, reiterated the directives of the ENPO to hoist black flags and pray for the bereaved families and for peace in the region.

The organisation also informed that the Konyak Union Dimapur will be organising a candle light vigil, in remembrance of the lives lost. The vigil will be held on 4 December 2022 at 5pm at Konyak Community Centre, Purana Bazar.