Chemwang Konyak, father of Shomwang, one of the 14 innocent civilians who were gunned down by Indian security force on 4 December 2021, lamented that his son’s murderers are outside the iron bar. He cried that justice has been denied as Black Day was observed in the little village of Oting in Mon district which is still in mourning.

On the eve of the first anniversary of the incident, the Oting Village Council, Oting Students Union, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) Oting, and Oting Citizens’ Forum organised a candle light programme at local ground in lamentation, remembering the departed souls.

The programme was chaired by N Tingkeap Konyak.

Lenwang Konyak briefly recapped the fateful night of 4 December 2021, stating that the villagers were unaware of their children being killed by the 21 Para Commandos while they were returning back home from their works.

The bereaved Oting Village Council and Oting Citizens’ Forum both rued that the 21 Para Commandos murdered their sons, who were active youths in the society, future leaders and hope of the village.

Oting Citizen’s Forum said the lives of the daily bread earners cannot be returned.  Stating that no action has been taken by the Supreme Court, it said justice is yet to prevail. Further, it added that the Oting citizens will not rest until justice is delivered.

Chemwang Konyak, in his obituary on behalf of the victims’ families, said: “Our village children loved each other so dearly that they stood and died together while defending each other from the cruel hands of 21 para commandos.”

He urged the Oting’s citizens to stand until justice is delivered.

KNSK Oting and Oting Youth bestowed special tribute. The programme concluded with a mass prayer.

Chemwang Konyak later told Nagaland Tribune that his son Shomwang was the pillar of their house. He said that his son was planning to get married in the following year, but suddenly cruel fate befell them all.

His life, dreams and future were snatched away on 4 December by 21 Para Commandos, Konyak said.

He said he did not understand why ENPO withdrew the non-cooperation and that Konyak Union and ENPO should not have compromised with the government without the consent of the victims’ families and Oting village.

Chemwang Konyak said he is grieving that his son is no more and yet justice has not been delivered.

Though SIT report and evidence were submitted to the Supreme Court, the 21 Para Commandos were not punished for the act of violating human rights and right to life, the heart broken man told Nagaland Tribune.