In memory of the 14 individuals massacred by Indian forces in 2021 at Oting, Mon district, a brief silent prayer ceremony was held at the Konyak Morung in during the Hornbill Festival at Kisama.
Chairperson Jeiaang Konyak delivered a poignant speech, asserting that those responsible would not forget their actions while honoring the families of the victims. Meanwhile, Noklang Konyak from Oting village voiced his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s judgment, expressing that the families of the lost—brothers, sisters, and parents—remain in mourning. He highlighted the plight of children who are now orphans and parents left childless, emphasizing that the community continues to seek justice for their grievances, yet their appeals have gone unheard.
KSCK GS Pangom reflected on the tragic events of December 4th in the village of Oting, Mon, where the Indian Army killed 14 Naga individuals terming it as mistakenly identified. He asserted that their struggle stems from the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which violates human rights and has caused ongoing suffering.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
“We began our outcry from this very place, and today we remember the tragedy,” said Pangom, who urged everyone to unite in the fight against this law.
Angnyei Konyak, President of the Konyak Union Kohima, stated that they have two appeals: first, that the supreme commander of Indian army must ensure that such incidents do not happen again. Second, is that the Government of India should revoke AFSPA if they wish for people to live in peace. While India is known as the largest democratic country, it fails to grant its citizens the freedom to exercise their rights.
Expressing deep disappointment, Konyak noted that the Indian Army just shot innocent civilians, taking 14 lives, yet no one has faced punishment, and there has been no news of justice for the deceased or injured.
He conveyed a message to the soldiers involved in that incident: “The parents of the victims are still waiting for their loved ones to return.” As the people awaits justice, Konyak affirmed that their struggle will continue until the Government of India delivers judgment for the Konyak people as a whole.
