Advisor of Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha strongly condemned the provocative attitude of the security forces by coming out in the streets in Kohima, Dimapur and Meluri while staging a peaceful bandh called by the Naga Students Federation (NSF). He asked the Assam Rifles to stop provoking the people when Nagas are mourning the death of innocent lives.
Medo was speaking at the candlelight vigil service held “in honour of the loving Naga brethren and in solidarity for the unrest situation at Mon district” organised by Angami Public Organization at Old MLA hostel junction, Kohima, Monday evening.
He also condemned the mainstream media houses in mainland India for trying to legalize and validate the inhuman act. Medo challenged the media houses to come down and see the ground reality.
Medo said no amount of justification or reasons can undo the truth. He said that the might and force on which the Indian military forces ride on AFSPA have to be immediately withdrawn.
Medo called for collective effort of all Naga community to repeal the act. He also urged to create a conducive environment for the authority to work so that justice is delivered.
President Angami Public Organization (APO), Razouvotuo Chatsu said that APO stands in solidarity with the Konyak brethren and ENPO family in their demand for justice. He assured them of unconditional support and assistance.
Chatsu pointed out that the Oting massacre is also one such incident amongst many in the past, wherein the Indian Paramilitary has exhibited unrestrained violence against Naga people, and all such atrocities are denied justice and easily pushed under the rug because of the discriminatory AFSPA.
He vociferously demanded for the draconian act to be repealed without which, the people will continue to live without basic and inherent human rights.
Kohima Ao Telongjem president, Chubalepzuk said the Ao community of Kohima town strongly condemned the barbaric act of the security forces and demanded justice against the erring security personnel. He said that security forces are meant to protect citizens and not to kill innocent Naga citizens.
Chubalepzuk said that for the past 7 decades, too much blood and tears have already been spilt. He demanded the withdrawal of AFSPA and to stop military operations in the state.
President Kohima Sumi Hoho, Kevitho Shohe said that friends of hill people are only mockery. He said that their action has further widened the already existing gap of suspension between security forces and civil society.
President Lotha Hoho Kohima, Pankathung said Nagas are being branded as hostiles, terrorist and in the name of anti-terrorist, innocents are being killed very often. He said that it is against basic human rights and values.
President Konyak Union Kohima, H. Angnyei Konyak thanked the gathering on behalf of the Konyak tribe for the support.
President Naga Club, Kuolachalie Seyie and Chakhesang People Organization advisor also spoke at the gathering.
Invocation was pronounced by general secretary NBCC, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, while pastor Konyak Church Kohima, Namkup pronounced the benediction.
The programme was chaired by trustee member Kezekevi Thehou Ba., Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie.