The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) held a solemn ceremony today at its headquarter in Kohima to mark the first anniversary of the Oting massacre. Representatives from All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU), All Sumi Students’ (SKK) and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) were present to pay homage to the lives who were brutally massacred by the Indian armed forces at Tiru/Oting area on 4 December 2021.
The flag of the Federation will fly at half-mast today and tomorrow.
NSF President Kegwayhun Tep in his speech reaffirmed the non-cooperation extended by the Federation towards the Indian Armed Forces/para military forces across Nagaland while also extending his solidarity to the family members of the victims.
He lamented that justice is yet to be served.
NSF general secretary Supuni asserted that the Federation along with its federating units and sub-ordinate bodies will continue to work towards ensuring that the draconian AFSPA is repealed from entire Nagaland. Naga people shall overcome despite the vicious policies of our adversaries, he added.
The NSF had on Saturday released a statement condemning the “cowardly act of the Indian Armed forces shielded by the AFSPA regime”, which it said has been terrorising the hearts and minds of the Naga people for several decades.
The federation demanded the Government of India to deliver justice to the victims and their families without further delay.
Furthermore, it demanded for the repeal of the “repressive” Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland stating that it sees “no rationale as to why the Naga homeland within India is tagged as ‘disturbed areas’” when “Indo-Naga political dialogue’s been held at the Prime Minister’s level is at a very crucial stage”.
NSF claimed that under the protection of AFSPA, the “Indian armed forces continue to operate with impunity in complete disregard of all humane values & virtues.”
The Federation also announced that the Naga Students’ Federation held its 4th Federal Assembly at Boro Henam village, Dima Hasao, Haflong, Assam on 2 December 2022 and there, it “reaffirmed its earlier resolution to extend non-cooperation towards the Indian Armed Forces until AFSPA is repealed”.
