Various civil society organisations, tribal bodies, student bodies, political parties, etc continued to condemn the killing of over a dozen civilians by security forces on December 4, 2021 in an area between Oting and Tiru village under Mon district.
DTHF: Dimapur Tribal Hoho Forum has conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Konyak brothers. DTHF stated that the killing of innocent Naga brothers was deeply felt and appealed to the state government and responsible authorities to take immediate necessary action against the culprits and award them befitting punishment. The release added that security forces were meant for protection of innocent public and not for killing. It also said that the forum was serious on AFSPA under which security forces were permitted to kill any suspected person, adding that the barbaric law of AFPSA should be removed.
RNPC: Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council while extending condolences to the bereaved family stated that the council along with the rest of the world condemned the inhuman act which it said was complete violation of human rights. It also demanded for repeal of AFSPA from all Naga inhabited areas in particular and North Eastern states in general.
DMC: Dimapur Meetei Council while expressing shock stated that it had always stood against the draconian law AFSPA and demanded withdrawal of the act from entire Northeast India. The council further expressed solidarity and deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
MTSSU: Medziphema Town Sumi Student Union has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families of innocent victims. MTTSU stated that it was beyond comprehension that such indiscriminate brutal murder could be committed by security forces who were supposed to be protectors of citizens. Terming the incident as total violation of human rights, it extended condolences to the bereaved families and stood in solidarity while affirming its stand in seeking justice.
KYSUD: Kuki Youth and Students’ Union Dimapur while expressing pain and sorrow over the killing of Konyak brothers and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
KNUD: Kom Naga Union Dimapur stated that in the name of AFSPA and without considering ground rules of ceasefire agreement between India and Nagas, the security forces acted in their own whims. Further, it said that compensation under any circumstances would not suffice the inhuman act of the security forces and requested Nagas to unite against such acts of brutality.
Nagaland NGO’s Forum: Nagaland NGO’s Forum stated that such barbaric acts of senseless killing under the pretext of the draconian law of AFSPA deserved condemnation by one and all and urged the responsible authorities to act swiftly without any prejudice till culprits were brought into justice. The forum expressed solidarity to the Konyak people at this time of turmoil and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
KBBB: Condemning the “barbaric killings”, Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm said that “as we long to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, the irony of the present state of affairs was contrary to what we wish as Christians to spend Christmas season”. KBBB said it was deeply hurt by the unfortunate incident that took the lives of its “14 baptised members”. While acknowledging the prayers and condolence messages from Christians across the globe, KBBB sought for prayers which it said was “conspicuous source of consolation in this time of our mourning”. KBBB expressed its gratitude to DC, SP and all the administrators under Mon district headquarters for their resolute endeavours. “The DGP and all rank and files under Nagaland police department have displayed incessant efforts that have maintained law and order situation”, it stated. It also hoped that the state’s law enforcement agency would “continue to pursue the matter so as to ascertain the unfabricated details, and deliver justice to the families of the victims soon”. Further, KBBB informed that its annual meet which was scheduled from December 10-12 has been postponed. All the churches under KBBB have been directed to conduct a candlelight service in honour of the departed souls at 6 p.m. on December 13.
FNBC: First Naga Baptist church in Texas, USA said that the gruesome crime could “never be dismissed off as a mistake, neither can you call the incident self-defense by gunning down unarmed civilians without any rhyme or reason”. “Your false display of regret was totally unacceptable. We demand justice for the victims and their bereaved families at the earliest”, FNBC said. While denouncing the statements made by union home minister, Amit Shah, it said that Nagas had suffered enough in the hands of the Indian army for the past several decades. “This recent incident has time and again proved that the Indian government is devoid of any empathy and respect for the Nagas, but rather terrorizing, exploiting and murdering our people as they wish” FNBC further stated. Urging the Indian government to remove AFSPA from all the Naga inhabited areas immediately, FNBC expressed deepest condolences to the families who were mourning the loss of their loved ones. The church stands in solidarity with the families and prayed for all Naga brothers and sisters.
CSUD: Chang Students’ Union Dimapur has expressed its heartfelt sorrow and anguish at the brutal killings and said that the “indelible and cowardice act committed by the armed forces under the wings of AFSPA, 1958 is a national disgrace at its finest”. The union asked the central government to “act like a fine gentleman and immediately revoke this draconian Act on moral grounds”. It prayed for the bereaved families and the Almighty to give them peace.
RGBA: Rengma Gaon Bura Association (RGBA) has vehemently condemned the inhuman act of the security forces and said that at this juncture, when all sections of the society were “eagerly anticipating an early and peaceful solution”, the draconic action of the so called “friends of the hill people” had demoralised the trust and confidence of the entire Nagas by turning out to be “Foes of the Hill people”.
“The Nagas have lost a sense of safety and security in our homes with the existence of AFSPA” RGBA stated. While urging the centre to “immediately revoke” AFSPA, it also appealed to the government of the day to deliver justice at the earliest. The association conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and sincerely prayed that the Almighty grant them peace and solace in this hour of grief.
YUD: Yimkhiung Union Dimapur has vehemently condemned the massacre and said that the precious lives of innocent public were brutally and abruptly cut short “by the senseless, barbaric and inhuman acts of the Indian armed forces”. In a condemnation note, YUD said that no words could express the grief and pain of such degree of atrocity and extended its support to the charter of demands made by the Konyak Union. Appealing for immediate justice for the innocent victims, YUD conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured persons. In solidarity with its Konyak brothers and in observance of the seven-day mourning period as declared by ENPO, the 41st general session of the union scheduled to be held on December 11 has been postponed and rescheduled on December 18.
TSUK: Tikhir Students Union Kohima (TSUK) has vehemently condemned the inhuman and barbaric act of the Indian security forces. TSUK president P Apong on behalf of the organization has expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
KTDSSU: Kiphire-Tuensang District Sumi Students’ Union (KTDSSU) president Anto in a condemnation note stated that the union was deeply pained by bloodshed inflicted on mere propaganda of suspicion by blood thirsty Indian security forces. The union shared solidarity with Konyak brothers till justice was served. It also extended heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost precious souls and prayed for speedy recovery for the injured persons.
RSON: Rongmei Students’ Organization Nagaland (RSON) has condemned the brutal killings of the innocent unarmed villagers under the guise of draconian law AFSPA, which was more or less a license to kill hill people. In a condemnation note, president RSON, Kambui Dangmei stated that the killing was a violation of human rights. RSON appealed to the competent authority to book the erring soldiers involved in the merciless killings and deliver justice to the bereaved family and ensure safety of public from bloodthirsty Indian Security Forces. RSON further expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved families who lost precious life and prayed for speedy recovery who were grievously injured.
LYOD and LSUD: Lotha Youth Organization Dimapur (LYOD) and Dimapur Lotha Students Union (LSUD) in a joint press statement issued through its media cells stated that the loss of innocent lives could not be tolerated and there could never be justification of such kind of massacre targeting innocent civilians. It added that such acts of injustice should be condemned by one and all. LYOD and DLSU further extended solidarity and support to Konyak brothers and sister and further conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
ZSUN: Zeme Students’ Union Nagaland (ZSUN) president, Pauchilei Neume while vehemently condemning the inhumane and barbaric cowardice act of Indian security forces stated that the union at this grieved juncture stood with people of Mon district and demanded to book the erring security personnel. The union further expressed profound condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and prayed that perpetual light shine upon Konyak brethren.
KUC, KNSKC & KSUC: Konyak Union Chumoukedima (KUC), Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong Chumoukedima (KNSKC) and Konyak Students Union Chumoukedima (KSUC) in a joint condemnation note stated that such heinous act towards innocent civilians on the pretext of AFSPA was totally unjustified and unaccepted in this modern era. It appealed to the central government to immediately revoke AFSPA from the Naga inhabited area and deliver justice at the earliest. The union also expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God grant peace and solace to the bereaved families.
ENPUC: Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Chumoukedima (ENPUC) president, N Tingyuh Konyak while condemning the despicable act extended support to stand in solidarity with the Konyak brothers and demanded that justice be served. ENPUC appealed the government of Nagaland to investigate the matter seriously and deliver justice to the grieving victims’ families.
JUD: Jakphang Union Dimapur has mourned the killing of Wechu Pongchi Konyak, son of Langkhu Konyak of Jakphang village and other fellow Konyak brothers and those injured. In a press release, JUD president C Khampa Konyak and secretary Hamphong Konyak have expressed its deepest pain and prayed that God grant strength and solace to the bereaved families.
ACCI Nagaland: Condemning the act, Anti-Corruption Council of India, Nagaland, demanded an immediate enquiry to be intervened both from the central and state government to deliver justice towards the lost souls, families and the people in general. ACCI extended condolences to the family of fellow citizens who are in agony at this hour.
AST: Akehta Sangtamlaru Thsingmüjang (AST) general secretary, Atsala Anar, in a condemnation, stated that while the loss of these precious blood cannot be traded for anything in the world, the AST demanded immediate justice for the bereaved families. AST also demanded the withdrawal of this inhuman power vested upon the Indian Army. The AST paid highest respect to all the fallen sons and extended its heartfelt condolences to all the families. AST also wished speedy recovery to all those who were injured.
DDGIF: Dimapur District Gorkha Indigenous Forum convener Pusparaj Sharma while condemning the dastardly act conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved family and urged the government to deliver justice at the earliest.
GSUD: The Gorkha Students’ Union Dimapur (GSUD) while vehemently condemning the barbaric act of Security force appealed the authority to take the matter seriously with highest priority. GSUD in solidarity with Konyak Naga brothers conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and Konyak brothers.
KUK: The Khiamniungan Union Kohima president Lamnyah and general secretary S Thangpong in a condemnation stated that the brutal massacre of innocent civilians by the Indian Arm Forces showed the discriminatory attitude and the atrocities committed time and again under the draconian rule of AFSPA towards the peace-loving people and demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA. KUK also appealed the State government to deliver justice at the earliest and book the culprit for this inhumane act. Union conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace and solace during this darkest hour of their lives.
NDPP 9 A/C: NDPP 9A/C president Hukato Chishi and general secretary Krodiho Kennao have expressed strongest condemnation for such dastardly act and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice at the earliest. It also extended deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved and speedy recovery to the injured.
ABYSO: All Bengali Youth & Students Organisation (ABYSO) Nagaland, president Juel Acharjee while condemning the ambush on the innocent villagers by the security force, expressed solidarity to the citizen of Mon district. ABYSO conveyed deepest condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the injured civilian for speedy recovery.
ESU: The Enhulumi (Yoseba/Pfutsemi) Students’ Union, (ESU), president Wekutsho Lohe and general secretary Eyiekhrote Vero termed the incident as brutal and inhuman act stating that the military force involved in killing of innocent lives deserve the highest form of punishment under the law of the land. ESU appealed the Government of India to deliver justice to the innocent lives by punishing the perpetrators. In solidarity and support for the innocent lives, ESU also extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members in this time of sorrow and anger.
NGRC-1 CU: Nagaland Government Registered Class 1 Contractors Union (NGRC-1 CU), president Theyiekelie Tachü, in a condemnation note stated that the incident has crushed its hope of Indian idea of democracy. Furthermore, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
OTS: The Community of Oriental Theological Seminary (Bade, Dimapur) impressed on the public in Mon district, Naga people, State government and the security forces to address this staggering situation which was a direct outcome of AFSPA. OTS prayed that it will turn out to be a “moment of truth” for confronting the inhumanity of the security forces who treat Naga civilians as “disposables.”
SDUD: Sema Dimasa Union Diphupar (SDUD) president Vekuto Swu stated that the action of the security forces was beyond the trust of the people and thereby demanded stern action from the government. SDUD further conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
WM: Watsu Mungdang, president S Arenla Longkumer in a condemnation stated that such heinous act and high handedness applied in disguise of AFSPA was totally unacceptable, and should be totally condemned by one and all. Watsu Mungdang urged the authorities to book those responsible and justice delivered at all cost at the earliest. It also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
GUN: Gorkha Union Naginimora (GUN) through its media cell stated that the heinous crime of innocent people jolted the hearts of the people of Nagaland and appealed the authority to take matter with highest priority. The union also prayed for the bereaved families.
NNC (PB) Lotha Region: NNC (PB) Lotha Region, in a condemnation said that when British left the two countries after Second World War, it was Nagaland who bored the burden of British war, while India remained protected by Nagas. It added that the Indian armed forces had killed many innocent Nagas, and warned that India would one day vanish if it continued to wage war against innocent people of Nagas and Kashmir.
NDPP Peren region: NDPP Peren region through its media cell stated that the brutal killing of such unrestrained violence in a civilized society was uncalled for, and termed it as a violation of human rights. The party further conveyed deepest condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery.
BCM: Bharatiya Christian Manch Nagaland (BCMN) convenor, Longshi Kikon, condemned the act of violence and appealed for justice for the innocent sons of Naga family. BCMN added that no force has the authority to take away human life under any circumstances. It also shared solidarity with Konyak brethren and ENPO family in this time of sorrow and pain, and further conveyed its prayer and support in their pursuit for justice for the slain victims.
KU branch Aboi: Konyak Union branch Aboi has strongly condemned the massacre meted out to Konyak civilians by the Indian army. It stated that such barbaric act had costed lives of 14 Konyak civilians and that the union “does not want Assam Riffles Friends of the Hill People” in its hills. It added that “India took credit as world’s largest democracy” however, its “dictatorship” had spoken. It said that ex-gratia was handed by the central government and state government to the bereaved families on their discretion which was never demanded of. The bereaved families of the 14 Konyak brothers and Konyak as a whole demand justice to the lost lives on Konyak soil, it stated. It further mentioned that it did not see “actual relevance of AFSPA” in Nagaland and appealed to the state government to leave no stone unturned in repealing this draconian law.
Further, the KU branch said that it was deeply hurt by the act of Assam Riffles where the deaths were being loaded on pick-up truck, shrouded with canvas and sat on, “treating the massacred Konyak brothers like animals” and demanded “full explanation” on this sadistic act.
It maintained that this was the history the world would remember meted out by the army of world’s largest democracy against their own citizens who were nothing more than daily wage workers returning home with their wages to be with their families during the weekend.
LYOA: Langmeing Youth Organisation Aboi has vehemently condemned the “inhuman and barbaric act” by the Indian special forces. LYOA said that such inhumane act should not be tolerated and that “our dignity as human beings is questionable under the Armed Force Special Power Act”.
LYOA strongly demanded that AFSPA be repealed at any cost and appealed to the state and central government to immediately investigate the matter for timely deliverance of justice to the families of the victims.