KU urges state govt to expedite Oting Martyrs’ Park construction

Konyak Union (KU) has strongly urged the state government to expedite the construction of a Martyrs’ Park at Mon town in memory of the 14 civilians killed in the 2021 Oting incident and its aftermath.
In a press release, KU president K. Yamao Konyak and general secretary Wango Konyak highlighted that the Oting massacre severely eroded the trust and sense of safety among the local populace.
On December 4, 2021, 13 civilians were killed by Indian security forces, followed by the killing of one more civilian in subsequent firing by Assam Rifles personnel.
Citing the sensitive nature of the incident, the KU said it had proposed to the district administration to procure site permit for the construction of Martyrs’ Park adjacent to the Assam Rifles camp at Mon town as a mark of respect to the departed souls and as a reminder to Indian security forces to refrain from repeating such operations under draconian laws.
Following approval from the home department, KU said the district administration issued a site permit for the park vide Permit No. 6728/MON/2021 dated January 18, 2022.
However, the union said 42 Assam Rifles reportedly raised objections to the construction, claiming the allotted site fell under land leased. KU said the district administration has officially clarified that the purported lease deed held by the Assam Rifles was not a registered lease and holds no legal validity.
KU alleged that the real intention behind the objection was to avoid keeping the “shameful deed” in public memory. The union, however, maintained that the Martyrs’ Park was essential for the community as a sincere reminder to future generations.
KU said it reminded the district authorities on January 23, 2026, to clear the matter within January. The union said the issue was subsequently forwarded to the commissioner Nagaland on February 10, 2026, but no progress has been made so far.
The union has, therefore, urged the state government to expedite the process at the earliest. It warned that if the matter was not resolved soon, the KU would proceed with the construction of the park at the allotted site. The union cautioned that it would not be held responsible for any untoward incident that could arise during the process.