The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has strongly condemned the travesty of justice for the victims of the Oting massacre by the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of India. It has also called for the immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers’ Act (AFSPA).
“As Mothers, we are deeply aggrieved and shocked with the quashing of the FIRs by the SC and non sanction of prosecution against these perpetrators of the Oting massacre by the Central Government. 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,” stated the press release issued by NMA President Vilanuo Angela Yhome and Joint Secretary Vitono Gugu Haralu.
The Naga Mothers were a part of the Fact Finding team that visited the site of killings and met victim families in Oting village a few days after the Oting Massacre.
The Association called upon friends from Indian civil society to stand up with Nagas for justice for Oting massacre victims and many other acts of the Indian Army in Oinam, Wuzu, Mokokchung, Kohima bombings and killings, Pangsha ITC Dan killings of civilian and maiming women for life.
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“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. We urge the State Govt of Nagaland and the Honorable Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, who hails from this village, to raise their voices in unison for justice which has been denied to the Oting victims and their families,” implored the NMA.
It further appealed the Governor of Nagaland to ensure that sanction for prosecution is granted by the Central Govt and that the State Govt appeals with a Review petition.
“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 includeeing women to peace and security has been violated for decades by the Indian Armed Forces in Naga areas,” it asserted, calling for immediate repeal of the AFSPA to ensure democracy and respect for human rights.
