DIMAPUR, DEC 5 (NPN): The brutal killing of over a dozen civilians in the area between Oting and Tiru village by security forces on Saturday has drawn strong condemnation from Union Home minister, various tribal bodies, organizations, CSOs, political parties etc.
Union Home minister Amit Shah expressed anguished over the unfortunate incident that took place at Oting village under Mon district. In a tweet, Shah said “I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. A high-level SIT constituted by the State govt will thoroughly probe this incident to ensure justice to the bereaved families.”
CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has condemned the unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting. He also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured. Rio further appealed for peace from all sections.
Gov: Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has condemned in the strongest possible words the incident of firing on the villagers on December 4 evening at a point between Oting and Tiru village under Mon district. Mukhi said that the government has already constituted SIT, which will investigate from all angels and deliver justice. He also said that a court of inquiry has been instituted against the army personnel involved.
Meanwhile, Mukhi conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured persons. Muki also appealed to all to maintain peace.
Patton: State deputy CM Y Patton has vehemently condemned the unfortunate killings of unarmed citizens at Oting village by Indian Armed forces.
Patton said that, when all efforts and sincerity was being put in from all sections of the society and the Centre, for finding a long-lasting solution, it was unfortunate that such incident has vitiated the peaceful atmosphere.
He also said that such killings have no place in a peaceful state like Nagaland and termed the incident as highly condemnable.
Patton said that a high-level SIT has been constituted for thorough investigation and the truth shall be unearthed and those found guilty will be booked as per the provisions of the law. He therefore appealed to all concerned for peace and restraint. Patton also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.
ENPO: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization has condemned in the strongest term, the senseless massacre of 16 innocent civilians and leaving several injured in the discriminate firing at Oting village, Mon district on December 4 evening by 27 Assam Rifles.
ENPO said that the AR instead of protecting the lives of civilians, have again struck terror and brutality upon the peace loving citizens, in gross contravention to their bounden responsibility. It said that no words or action of justification can conceal the evil intend and heinous crime committed by the Indian para-military forces in the guise of draconian AFSPA Act to kill anybody without any reason.
ENPO demanded that the AR personnel responsible for the barbaric act should be brought to justice without further delay to avoid recurrence of such rampant massacre of innocent people.
It also expressed pain that when every section of society was striving for peaceful settlement of prolonged Naga political issue, security forces were detrimental for the peaceful co-existence of the people.
ENPO further conveyed condolence to bereaved family and prayed for the departed souls rest in eternal peace and for the recovery for the injured.
It further also expressed gratitude to all Naga brethren for their unconditional solidarity to the people of Eastern Nagaland.
ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislator’s Union said that the barbaric incident at Oting was shocking and beyond humanity and condemned the atrocity of the security forces for their heinous action.
ENLU convenor S. Pangnyu Phom and members V. Kashiho Sangtam, T. Yangseo Sangtam and S Keoshu said the incident has pierced and torn many hearts and has shaken the entire Eastern Nagaland and Naga’s in general. They said that security forces despite of giving protection and security to the people of the region, completely failed their responsibility.
ENLU also assured its people that immediate setting up of SIT/Inquiring Commission will deliver accurate facts of the incident without leaving any stone unturned. The union conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured civilians.
ENSF: Eastern Naga Students’ Federation has vehemently condemned the “inhuman massacre of our Konyak brothers” in cold blood by the Indian Army personnel at Oting village, leading to the death of 15 innocent civilians and several injured.
ENSF vice president Sepikyu J. Sangtam and general secretary Molo Phom said that the inhuman act of the security forces leading to the killing spree of the innocent civilians cannot be accepted and tolerated when Nagas were at the zenith of yearning for peace and harmony. ENSF said that the armed forces, responsible for bringing peace and security, had terribly failed in all aspects in performing their duty as a human in any form.
ENSF demanded government of India to repeal AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act, which it said has become inappropriate as far as the peaceful coexistence of Nagas were concerned.
It also demanded thorough investigations until justice was delivered.
ENSF conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed to God to grant them courage and also for the speedy recovery of the injured persons.
KTC: Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) strongly condemned the targeted killing of civilians by security forces.
According to KTC president M Thangou, the heinous crime committed against innocent civilians by the security force was beyond tolerance and must be condemned by all right-thinking citizens.
While expressing deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, he convey deepest condolence to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured. He also appealed to the State government to thoroughly investigate and deliver justice to the bereaved families.
USSC: United Sangtam Students Conference said it was shocked over the incident where innocent civilians were brutally attacked and murdered by security force at Oting/Tiru area under, leading to the death of 13 civilians and several injured.
USSC president Samuel B. Sangtam said it was unacceptable that such barbaric and heinous action took place at such crucial period when Nagas were yearning for peace and harmony.
It said that security personnel, who are to protect the people, have failed in all aspects of their duty and as a human in any form.
Condemning such inhuman mass murder of innocent civilians, USSC strongly demanded a thorough investigation into incident. USSC conveyed condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured persons.
LH: Lotha Hoho (LH) has strongly condemned the “genocide committed by the paramilitary force of the Indian Army” at Oting, by murdering innocent Naga civilians, in cold blood.
In a press note, LH Er. Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary S. Abenthung Ngullie condemned the inhumane act of the Indian Army and extended solidarity with the bereaved families of the victims. The hoho also conveyed the heartfelt condolence and sympathy of the Lotha people to the victims and the bereaved families.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden said it was shocked and exasperated to learn about the inhumane and barbaric act committed by the Indian Security force, killing 13 innocent civilians at Oting village on December 4.
The Senden vice president I Imkong Jamir and general secretary Imtipokyim, while condemning the incident, demanded stern action against the erring personnel and to book them.
The Senden further expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that Almighty God grant solace.
CPO: Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) has condemned the killing of 15 innocent citizens of Oting Village, on December 4, who were mercilessly gunned down by the Indian armed forces.
CPO president Vichütuolie Mere and general secretary Mhiesisato Vüprü The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) while conveying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members strongly condemn the heinous crime committed without any reason.
CPO said that Nagaland is being terrorised both within and outside for the last 65 years and the yearning for peace by Nagas were being challenged by such cowardly act of the Indian armed forces.
CPO appealed to all right-thinking people and organisations to condemn the act of inhuman activities in Nagaland.
SH: Sumi Hoho has vehemently condemned the December 4 incident at Oting village where several innocent public lives were brutally cut short and several injured during an indiscriminate firing by the Indian security forces.
SH president Nikheto Jimomi and general secretary Dr. Vihuto Asumi said that the act of security forces was inhuman and highly condemnable by all.
It said the incident has brought memories afresh of the atrocities committed by security forces. SH said Nagas were shocked to witness such barbaric acts erupting once again.
“Where is the "Right to life" that is guaranteed to all the citizens of India in the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution?” it questioned.
SH said that Sumi people in unison expressed unflinching support and solidarity to the Eastern Nagaland brothers.
Welcoming the decision of the government for setting up high-level SIT, SH demanded that justice be delivered at the earliest. SH further said that the “Sumis’ participation in the ongoing Hornbill Festival will not be deterred albeit our strong solidarity go out with all the Konyak Naga people at these unfortunate moments.”
APO: Angami Public Organization has condemned and expressed anguish for the atrocious incident that unfolded wherein 14 innocent civilians belonging to the Konyak community were mercilessly gunned downed by the para military forces.
APO president Razouvotuo Chatsu and asst. gen. secretary Lhousito Khro said that the atrocious killing has cast a “shadow of gloom over our homeland” and has brought back dark memories of killings and bloodsheds in the past.
It demanded thorough probe against those responsible and to award befitting punishment as per the law. APO said it stood in solidarity and with the Konyak brethren and ENPO family at this time of sorrow and pain and convey its unflinching support in their pursuit for justice for the slain victims.
APO also appealed to the Central and state governments to investigate the matter with all seriousness and deliver justice.
APO conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that the departed souls rest in eternal peace and also wished speedy recovery of those injured.
NBCC: Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) condemned in the strongest terms the killing of civilians by the Indian army on December 4 belonging to Oting village.
NBCC president Rev. Dr. Atsi Dolie and general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho said they were shocked that the heinous crime perpetrated by the army took place at a time which coincides with the celebration of the coming of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace.
With such indiscriminate act the army has not only violated the sanctity of the season but has instilled fear and insecurity among the populace, NBCC said.
Innocent people should not be used to provoke and create a situation as an experiment, while the whole state was longing for peace.
NBCC said that the Government of India was accountable for such irresponsible crime against humanity and called for immediate redressal and booking of the culprits.
Meanwhile, NBCC conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for God’s comfort and strength.
NGBF: Nagaland Gaonburah Federation (NGBF) has vehemently condemed the killing of 16 innocent mining workers and injuring many others, reportedly by the Indian security forces. NGBF media cell said it was a very unfortunate incident and a blunder carried out by the security forces.
It demanded to know from the Central government as to what had made the security forces take such a heinous action on the innocent and unarmed civilians and also for trying to sabotage the ongoing peace process.
NGBF demanded that the culprits must be given a befitting punishment and at the same time reminded all, especially those with the arms, that the prevailing peace environment in the region was hard earned by the people of Nagaland..
NGBF also appealed to the government of India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland.
The GBs expressed deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured and also for the departed souls to rest in peace.
WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) expressed anguish and shock beyond words by the gunning down 13 innocent villagers by the Indian Army in Mon district.
WSH president Shikaho Zhimomi and general secretary Kisheto Chishi said that the incident was the direct consequence of the "license to kill" given to the Indian security forces, in the form of AFSPA.
Terming it as unfortunate, WSH said government of India sees it fit to apply AFSPA in Nagaland of today when the state was different from what it was in the 1950s.
“In Nagaland, the law meant to secure and protect is killing the helpless and innocent. This cannot be overlooked as an aberration,” WSH stated.
WSH also demanded immediate removal of the draconian AFSPA from Nagaland, categorization of Nagaland as a ‘disturbed area’, and financial compensation and employment to the next of kin of the 13 killed in cold blood by the Indian security forces under the cover of AFSPA.
CNTC: Central Nagaland Tribes Council said it was shocked, infuriated and pained by the cold-blooded killing of 14 civilians.
CNTC president T. Lanu Imchen and general secretary Tsungroshan Kithan said that the indiscriminate brutal act perpetrate on the innocent people was unimaginable and completely against humanity. It said that security forces, supposed to be protectors of the people, have turned into merciless killers. CNTC extended solidarity with the Konyak people in this darkest moment and conveys condolences to the family of the victims.
CNCT also asked the state government to halt the ongoing Hornbill Festival as a mark of solidarity with those in grief, adding that one cannot continue with songs, dance and merry-making or celebrate with “when our people are slaughtered in our own land”. It said that no amount of justification can explain the celebration to continue.
It further demanded the repeal of the draconian AFSPA of 1958, which was used as tool to subjugate and ruthless murder innocent citizens.
NTC: Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) said it was shocked to learn about the gruesome massacre of 15 daily wage earners at Oting in an ambush by the Indian Armed security forces.
NTC president Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie said that the killing of innocent villagers have disturbed the minds of the peace loving Nagas, who have been yearning for peace in the regions.
Condemning the dastardly action, NTC said that the incident was also a grim reminder of how the Indian Armed security forces perpetrated such inhuman atrocities and extra judicial killings to countless Naga innocent villagers for over sixty years, adding that such should not be allowed to occur yet again.
Taking the law into one’s own hand in the name of AFSPA and indiscriminate firing on the peace loving people without any reservation was against humanity, it said.
NTC also said that terming it as unfortunate and mistaken identity was not the solution as precious souls were already lost.
NTC, therefore, urged upon the government to ascertain and probe the mass killings and deliver justice without delay.
It also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God grant them courage to bear the loss of the dear ones.
NMA: Naga Mothers’ Association condemned the heinous crime committed by the Indian Army, killing 16 innocent civilians.
“Our beloved Konyak sons, have been mercilessly gunned down for no fault of theirs and leaving several seriously injured,” NMA president Abeiu Meru and secretary Lochumbeni Humtsoe said in a press note.
Conveying condolences to the bereaved family and the Konyak people, NMA said that words were inadequate and their grief knows no bounds. It also prayed that the Almighty God grant the deceased eternal peace.
Pointing out that it was taboo in Naga tradition to be feasting at a time of mourning, NMA said it was imperative to “let the world know our grief and sorrow and may our voices of protest be heard against the continuing militarisation and killings under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.”
If further demanded that the state government take cognisance of these repeated violations of human rights under AFSPA and move for lifting AFSPA.
NMA said that besides the SIT, a high level inquiry commission be set up, inclusive of civil society, to probe and bring the guilty to book. It also demanded that all Indian Army cantonments be immediately shifted from all civilian areas and habitations.
NSCN (I-M): Terming it as a ‘black day’ for the Nagas, NSCN (I-M) said that the unprecedented in recent history, the absurdity and insanity of the Indian security forces has been exposed in the most brutish manner.
NSCN through its MIP said that as the Nagas mourn the barbaric killing of 15 innocent villagers in Oting village under Konyak region, the fact that the ubiquitous Indian security forces has brought about toxic storm of bloody dust in Nagalim was not a new thing but a repeat of the past to suppress the legitimate Naga political movement.
NSCN said that the Indian security forces will never be able to wash its hands off, smeared with the blood of innocent Nagas no matter how it come out with a nonsensical statement, linked to credible intelligence reports of movement of insurgents.
NSCN (I-M) said it had learned that the killing was allegedly the work of “the trigger-happy 21st Para Commandos/Assam Rifles. It said that Nagas had in the past faced a trigger-happy Indian security forces, acting with impunity under AFSPA, which was mainly used against the Naga political movement.
Notwithstanding the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue that has seen much fruition during the period running more than two decades, MIP said the violence against Nagas continue unabated, adding that “this is the most unfortunate part of the Indo-Naga ceasefire signed in 1997.”
MIP said that NSCN finds it difficult to use the right words to condemn the killing of
unarmed civilians, asserting that it cannot be justified in any manner in this part of the civilized world (Nagalim) where the Indo-Naga peace process has seen much progress.
Such a barbaric act of killing innocent people was against humanity and those responsible for such heinous acts should be brought to justice, it added.
NSCN conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those grievously injured.
WC, NNPGs: WC, NNPGs joined the Nagas in mourning the massacre of 14 hardworking innocent Konyak brothers who were ambushed and killed by Indian military on December 4.
WC said that the Indian military has once again proven to the world just how weak, incompetent and vulnerable it was in performing basic military duties.
This inglorious date will haunt the Indian Army for a thousand years, WC stated.
It further said that AFSPA enforced in Nagaland in 1956 had always allowed “cowards within the Indian military to take inhuman, disastrous decisions at critical political and historical moments.”
The draconian laws and military atrocities over many decades have made Nagas aware that they were “not and will never be Indians,” it added. It has also belittled the political commitment of Indian Prime Minister and Home Minister.
It said that security forces seemed to be bent on terrorizing indigenous people in the NE to ensure and claim more anti-insurgency operation fund.
However, WC said that “Naga people’s history, political right, their identity, traditions, customs, societal structure will strengthen with each innocent Naga killed by Indian army.”
Recalling the genocides committed by Indian Armed forces at Matikhru village and Mokokchung town etc., WC said that the pattern of “cowardice by Indian security forces is clearly exhibited yet again.”
WC called upon “national and international human rights commissions and committees to strongly voice out against the latest crime against humanity committed by Indian Army in Naga homeland. This is not a commitment to peace.”
It also said that the Government of India must declare honorable and acceptable political solution to the Indo-Naga conflict to ensure all draconian laws in Naga homeland were repealed and done away with. “Solution won’t be political, neither honorable nor acceptable if our youth are murdered at will by Indian Armed Forces,” WC stated.
Further, WC expressed anguish at the loss of precious youthful lives and prayed that Heavenly Father, the Creator of Nagaland grant solace to the departed brethren. WC also extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for early recovery of the injured.
CPO: Chakhesang People Organisation (CPO) has expressed solidarity with the people in Mon people and vehemently condemned the firing by Indian para military force, where several precious lives were lost at Oting and Tiru village under Mon district.
CPO president Mikha Kenye and general secretary Veduvo Rhakho said that Assam Rifles was “the worst armed force” that Government of India had set up to appease the general public with infamous slogan of “friends of the hill people”.
Stating that they were neither police nor army, having no defined discipline or trainings to enforce rule of law, CPO accused AR of being “famous for fake encounters and manipulate the ground situations to give wrong feelings and continue to enjoy their stay in the name of maintaining peace in the hills.”
It said that the incident at Oting and Tiru can never be mistaken identity nor information failure, but allegedly a genocide against innocent civilians, “premeditate by Indian Army during peace time to instill fear psychosis and suppress the Nagas under the Act of AFSPA which need immediate revocation.”
CPO also convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes speedy recovery to the injured persons.
RH: Strongly condemning the atrocities by the armed forces, Rengma Hoho president Pollem Tep and general secretary Sinhilo Thongseb asserted that there was no justification for security forces to open fire on unarmed civilians even in a war zone.
However, in Nagaland, which was a peace zone albeit a Disturbed Area with a ceasefire agreement in place, they alleged that security forces had consciously and deliberately mowed down innocent hardworking Konyak brothers without fear of any repercussions emboldened by the AFSPA.
On behalf of Rengma community, they said Rengma Hoho shared its serious concern and extended sincere condolences to the victims and families of the brutal killings by the armed forces.
They also expressed solidarity with fellow Konyak Naga brothers during this time of grief and sorrow, and prayed to Almighty God to grant peace and solace to the bereaved families and Konyak people.
They appealed to the authorities concerned to take stern, appropriate and timely action for justice to be served, while also urging human rights bodies and all right-thinking organizations and individuals to condemn and voice out strongly against such inhuman acts and the draconian AFSPA, under whose cover such heinous crimes continued to be committed.
AYO: Angami Youth Organization (AYO) expressed shock and anguish over at the brutality and savagery of the paramilitary commandos for the brutal massacre on innocent coal miners belonging to the Konyak community, consequently ending the lives of 14 innocent civilians, in addition to two persons unconfirmed and missing.
AYO president Kekhrie Pfukha and general secretary Petevituo Nakhro said that the manner in which the civilians were mercilessly killed was a blatant violation of human rights, which required thorough investigation from the highest level to ascertain the facts.
Asserting that the perpetrators should be awarded befitting punishment, AYO said the paramilitary forces, for decades, have used the draconian AFSPA as a tool to perpetrate unimaginable terror upon Nagas. “…As long as the dreaded AFSPA exists, there will be terror and bloodbath of the innocent at the hands of the demonic paramilitary forces,” AYO said and demanded the repeal of AFSPA in order to ensure justice, equality and basic human rights.
AYO further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and extended solidarity with the Konyak community and the ENPO brethren during the turbulent hours. It also assured cooperation and support in the fight for justice.
KIN: Kuki Inpi Nagaland expressed shock to learn about the unfortunate incident where 13 innocent Konyak youths were killed, in an ambush by the security forces.
KIN president L. Singsit, general secretary Thangkhokai Gangte and media secy. Lallenmang Singson said the inpi condemned the inhuman act of the armed forces in butchering unarmed civilians and appeal for withdrawal of the AFSPA from the state immediately. It also demanded stringent punishment against those involved.
Further, KIN conveyed condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery to those injured, while also declaring unflinching solidarity.
DAYO: Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) expressed utter shock and anguish to learn about the massacre of more than a dozen of innocent Oting villagers by the Indian para military forces at Tiru area under Mon District, on December 4.
DAYO media cell said that in the first incident, six bread winners of their family were killed in cold blood and calling the ambush as intelligence failure was another level of insensitivity and insult to the priceless human lives lost for no fault of theirs.
The second subsequent incident, DAYO said was mishandling of the situation by the concerned authority of the security forces in dealing with the agitated mourners by indiscriminately firing at them, leading to more inhuman massacre taking the death toll to 14. DAYO said that the unwarranted episode has exposed the army’s lack of professionalism, deviant orientation and misuse of law alleging that “jawans were trigger happy to hunt down the unarmed civilians as animals.”
It urged Home Ministry to immediately court martial the erring officers and jawans without fear or favour for setting an exemplary deterrent.
At a time when there was much expectation for a Naga political settlement, DAYO said that such major tragedy could undo the hard earned ceasefires, unless the Indian army exhibits the magnanimity to see that truth and justice was delivered at the earliest.
CYF: Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has condemned the “barbaric and intentional massacre” of innocent civilians from Oting village by Indian Para-military forces on December4.
CYF president Lhuvesayi Lohe and general secretary Nyitso Therie said that the real face of Indian military forces has been clearly exposed, alleging that were not here to protect the innocent civilians, maintain peace and tranquility, but to blatantly slaughter helpless section of the people with the sophisticated weapons under the indemnity of infamous AFSPA, 1958.
It further said that indiscriminate firing at the innocent civilians and merciless killings can never be justified in any manner but common public enemy. “We will not tolerate an outsider forcefully entering into our house and ruthlessly killing our brothers,” CYF stated.
CYF expressed grief and extended “unconditional support to our Konyak brothers” and prayed for the victims “butchered by blood-thirsty Indian para-military forces.”
CYF further demanded that the government of India and state government leave no stone unturned to deliver befitting justice at the earliest.
WSYF: Western Sumi Youth Front has strongly condemned the barbaric act of indiscriminately firing at public by Indian Army and killing innocent civilians at Oting village.
WSYF said that the highly trained Indian army was expected to protect lives of citizen and not otherwise.
While the people of Nagaland were yearning for peaceful and lasting solution, WSYF said the killing of innocent civilians was a shame and not acceptable and needed to be condemned by all sections of the society.
WSYF also urged the state government to probe the incident and bring justice to the people at the earliest.
ASUD: Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) has vehemently condemned the indiscriminate firing and killings of innocent civilians at Oting area under Mon district by Indian Security Forces.
ASUD president Temsukaba Aier and general secretary T Lanuwapang conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and speedy recovery of those injured. The union also demanded the state government to conduct a thorough investigation and deliver justice at the earliest.
FNR: Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has demanded the state government to constitute an Independent Judicial Enquiry to thoroughly investigate “the arbitrary murders of 15 civilians and injuring 11 others by security forces in Oting village”.
FNR said that the investigation should be time-bound, and its findings be made public with disciplinary actions initiated by the government against the commanding officer and all the personnel involved in the brutal suppression and utter disregard of human dignity.
Pointing out that security forces, meant to protect and uphold the people’s fundamental rights, safety, and security, turned into violators of basic human rights, threatening democracy.
FNR also condemned the arrogance of power and blatant violation of the right to life, adding that it was a gross breach of public trust.
Asserting that AFSPA was by its very nature anti-peace, FNR, therefore, urged the state government to recommend the repeal of the Act and removal of armed forces from civilian areas.
Further, FNR extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the people of Oting and the Konyak Nagas.
NDPP: Expressing its anguish, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has strongly condemned the “shocking” incident.
The party in a statement said at a time when the Indo-Naga issue was nearing resolution, such a dastardly act by the security forces was unimaginable and unfathomable.
When the entire State remained peaceful with the hope for a permanent settlement to the Naga political issue, NDPP said it was most unfortunate that the armed forces caused terror, pain and anguish to the very people they were supposed to protect and serve.
NDPP conveyed its deepest and heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured.
The party also welcomed the State government’s prompt action of setting up a high-level SIT and the assurance of chief minister Neiphiu Rio to deliver justice as per the law of the land.
NDPP further requested the government to urgently take up the issue of repealing the AFSPA.
Terming It as a black letter day for Nagas and Nagaland, NDPP called upon all to uphold families of the deceased and those undergoing treatment in their prayers and stand in solidarity with Konyak brothers and sisters.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) too expressed serious concern and strongly condemned the incident.
In a statement, the party said no words were enough to condemn such a heinous crime committed by the armed forces against armless and harmless civilians.
While GoI and Naga political groups were on a ceasefire and engaged in bringing the Naga issue to a logical conclusion, NPF said the heartless and cowardly act of the armed forces was nothing but provoking the peace-loving Naga people.
And since the security forces should be functioning under the supervision of State government regarding law and order, NPF stressed that the government should wholeheartedly deal with the situation.
NPF said the State Cabinet should immediately take stock of the situation and institute a high-level inquiry commission headed by a retired judge of high court and given one month to submit its findings with action to be taken against the erring persons.
It also demanded that the Cabinet declare compensation for the aggrieved parties.
Further, the party appealed to GoI to immediately remove the draconian AFSPA, adding it was high time the government paid heed to the demands for withdrawal of the Act.
NPF also expressed solidarity with the people of Oting village and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and wished a speedy recovery of those injured.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) said condemned the unprovoked occurrence at Oting village, killing 13 civilians on the spot and injuring over 20 civilians by 21 para unit.
In a press note, NPCC president K. Therie said that 21 para unit personnel opened fire upon the Tata mobile when six miners were returning home. Suspecting some fault, he said some villagers went down but were also fired upon by 21 para, killing seven more on the spot and injuring many, taking the death toll to 13 while some were still missing.
NPCC said that 99% of Nagas want to live in peace and progress like any other advancing world and wanted solution that has been kept in cold storage to be implemented.
Asserting that civilians were not enemies of the nation, NPCC said that 25 years of negotiation, deliberate delay in implementation of solution after talks have concluded and the massacre at Oting only goes to tell the people of Nagaland that government of India does not consider the people of Nagaland as part of its citizenry.
NPCC said that the incident was also a gross mishandling of security forces by the BJP led
“If the action of first killing 6 innocent civilians was a mistake, there is no explanation on the subsequent killing of 7 more civilians but that of extreme high handedness,” NPCC asserted and maintained the massacre cannot by simply brushed off as a ‘mistake.’
While demanding ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore each to the deceased and Rs.10 lakh each to the injured, NPCC said that a team will make a preliminary spot study at the earliest and will fight for justice.
NPCC said it was saddened by the loss of Konyak brothers and shared the pain and sorrow with the family members, village and Konyak community and prayed that Lord Almighty God console all.
State NPP: NPP Nagaland said it was utterly shocked, infuriated and immensely grieved by the cruel and unimaginable manner in which the personnel of a certain Indian security force had gunned down around 13 innocent villagers of Oting village and injuring many others.
NPP said that the cold blooded killing of innocent civilians by the Indian security force cannot be and will not be tolerated at any cost, adding that such dastardly act was tantamount to gross violation of human rights and deserves unequivocal condemnation from all.
Stating that it cannot remain a mute spectator, NPP urged the government to immediately bring to book all those responsible and award befitting punishment.
It also reminded government of India once and for all that Nagas have had enough of the ruthlessness of the Indian Armed Forces under the shield and protection of the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) and repeal the act, which has done more evil towards the innocents than bringing about anything progressive or developmental.
NPP also questioned the top Army brass and the Central government as to whether this was the way that the people of Nagaland had to reap the harvest in return of the Naga son, late Khatnei Konyak who was recently martyred in Manipur, who also belonged to Mon district.
NPP conveyed condolence to the bereaved family and paid homage to the deceased and for the departed brothers to rest in heavenly peace.
It further demanded the Central and State governments to immediately compensate the family members of the deceased and the injured with adequate ex-gratia amount.
NDA: Nagaland Dobashis’ Association (NDA), which claimed of being instrumental in maintaining peace, harmony and brotherhood within Nagaland since the formation of FNR, said it was deeply saddened by the brutal killing of 13 innocent labourers and injuring of several others.
The association declared that no explanation or excuse could justify the crime as it was intentional and could be best described as “genocide” and “massacre” upon the Nagas.
While condemning the high-handedness of security personnel, NDA appealed to the State government to rope in highest investigating agency to probe the incident, making sure that the criminals were chained.
The association said it stood in solidarity and conveyed its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured on that fateful day.
This was stated in a press release by NDA vice president Khunyü Rino and general secretary R Kemerio Yanthan.