The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed strong objection to the Supreme Court of India’s ruling on September 17, which terminated the criminal proceedings against thirty Army personnel involved in the Oting massacre of 2021.

“This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 14 innocent civilians and remains a painful reminder of the ongoing violence and injustices faced by the Naga people, perpetuated under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958,” stated the GNF.

It asserted that the Oting massacre is not an isolated incident but part of a long history of brutality, including the 1994 Mokokchung rape and pillage, the 1995 Kohima massacre, and the killing of students in Wuzu, among others. These events continue to haunt the Naga people, reinforcing a deep sense of dehumanization and suppression.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to quash the FIRs in this case sends a disheartening message that justice will remain out of reach for the victims and their families. The Naga people, who have endured decades of oppression, view this ruling as an affront to their pursuit of justice and accountability. The Oting massacre was a clear violation of human rights, and the attempt to dismiss the plea for prosecution undermines both the credibility of the judicial process and public trust in the rule of law,” asserted the Forum.

Urging the Nagaland State Government to immediately file a review petition in the Supreme Court, the GNF considered it imperative that the state takes a firm stance in defending the rights of its people and ensure that justice is delivered.

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“The Supreme Court must reconsider its ruling, taking into account the severe human rights violations that occurred during the Oting incident. The state government must stand by the victims and their families, upholding its commitment to truth, justice, and the dignity of the Naga people,” the Forum iterated.

It further called upon Civil Society Organizations, Tribal apex bodies, human rights defenders, Naga political groups, and all concerned citizens to unite in protest against this grave injustice.

“The recent ruling is not only an attack on the victims of the Oting massacre but also on the collective rights of marginalized communities across India that continue to suffer under AFSPA’s oppressive regime,” added the Forum.

In the interest of peace, justice, and human dignity, the Forum urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling. The Forum also appealed to the Government of India to repeal AFSPA, an outdated law that has no place in a democratic society.

“The suffering of the Naga people has gone on for too long, and it is time for the State to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve an Indo-Naga political settlement, rather than perpetuating cycles of violence and impunity. The Global Naga Forum stands with the victims and calls for collective action to ensure that the innocent lives lost in the Oting massacre are not forgotten, and that justice prevails,” it further asserted.