Oting killings: Cong challenges state govt to approach SC

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president K Therie said he continued to hold NDPP government responsible for the loss of innocent lives at Oting, alleging that the massacre was a fallout of a gameplan to derail the ceasefire.In a statement, Therie challenged the State government to first arrest the killer 21 Para Special Forces personnel and continue investigation if it was honest, pointing out that Supreme Court’s verdict in the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights Vs Union Govt of India, November 1997, was clear that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) could be used only when prohibitory orders were violated and, secondly, if people possessed power to cause death. However, he claimed that these were not the causes of the Oting massacre as the victims were innocent people– mine workers returning home for Sunday. Asserting that AFSPA could not be used on mere suspicion, he said it was an instrument of law that did no act on its own, adding that the direction was allegedly against NSCN (K). However, law and order being a State subject, he alleged that direction was given by the State government. “Perhaps, because WC of NNPGs is pressing GoI for implementation of solution,” he added.If the 21 Para were taking shelter under AFSPA, Therie said the state government should approach Supreme Court, pointing out that the law was very clear that if an offence was committed even by army personnel, there was no concept of absolute immunity from trial by criminal court.He accused the state government of trying to protect criminals with AFSPA and declared that this would not be allowed. Claiming to make honest submissions to get justice for the lost souls and the bereaved family members, Therie clarified that there was nothing personal in him pointing fingers at the office and chair that belonged to the people. He said he only wanted justice for the victims and their families and ensure safety to future generations. “I also want to see that the bereaved family members are at peace… They may not take vengeance, but Nagas deserve justice,” he said.