* For court-monitored probe headed by a retired judge
* Reiterates stand to sever ties with security forces
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has announced a peaceful dharna at Kohima on December 9 as part of the five-day public mourning in honour of the civilians killed by security forces on December 4 and 5 and to press for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
NSF president Kegwayhun Tep and general secretary Spuni Ng Philo, therefore, appealed to all Nagas to extend their solidarity to the just cause by turning up for the event in huge number.
NSF also reiterated its demand that the State government should constitute a court-monitored probe team headed by a retired Supreme Court/High Court judge for a thorough, fair, impartial and time-bound probe in the killing of civilians by security forces on December 4 and 5.
The federation reasoned that this was to ensure that justice was not hindered due to lacunas in the probe.
While appreciating the swift action of the state government in setting up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to probe the barbaric incident at Oting, NSF however expressed apprehension over the effectiveness of such a probe team.
Noting that the State government headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio had time and again been asserting that they were serious about repealing the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that resonated well with Naga people, NSF demanded that this claim should be substantiated by convening a special Assembly session at the earliest to discuss the Act and adopt a resolution to repeal the same.
Thereafter, it said the same should be recommended to the Central government, adding that any public representative objecting to such a motion in the Assembly should be termed as an enemy of the people.
NSF said it was appalled at the insensitivity of some Indian armed personnel whose disregard for the sentiments of the Naga people was once again out in full display by attempting to violate the bandh despite the appeal to refrain from it.
Mentioning that the failure of the armed forces to violate the bandh was a proof that the indomitable Naga spirit of asserting for justice could not be bogged down by mere threats of bullets and repression, the federation appreciated all the brave volunteers who stood their ground to ensure that the shutdown was total despite the threats.
NSF further reiterated its earlier directive that all its federating units and subordinate bodies should sever ties with Indian paramilitary or armed forces until complete justice was done in the Oting massacre.
Meanwhile, NSF appreciated the humane gesture shown towards the victims of Oting massacre by the State government by cancelling all cultural events and festivities in the remaining days of Hornbill Festival.
The federation said this decision of the State government was well received by the Naga community, and that it showed that the government was not totally aloof to the pleas and plight of the people it represents.