Nagaland: Konyak Union warns of “crucial steps” if justice not served to Oting victims

President of Konyak Union, Tingthok Konyak said in a statement that the KU and ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation) will not give up its quest for justice

The Konyank Union has warned the Centre and the Supreme Court of “crucial steps” if justice is not served at the earliest to the Oting victims of Nagaland who were killed in a botched army operation on December 4, 2021.

“If the Central Government of India and the Supreme Court of India fail to respond to our demand for justice, ENPO and KU will take the crucial steps.” said President of Konyak Union, Tingthok Konyak.

The statement comes a day after KU and ENPO (Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation) observed December 4 and 5 as Black Days in memory of the victims.

Members of the Konyak Union had submitted a memorandum last year demanding removal of the draconian AFSPA law that gives unlimited power to the armed forces and Assam Rifles from Konyak area, but nothing has been done to meet their demand, Tingthok Konyak said. He also stated that AFSPA was supposed to be repealed in Mon District, but it is still in effect, though it has been repealed in other districts of Nagaland.

“Even the Assam Rifles Camp is built on private land on Konyak soil. A memorandum has been submitted to the Government of India to get it removed,” the KU president said.

Mentioning the Oting incident and the victims who survived the incident, Konyak said that many of them have become handicapped and cannot earn a livelihood or support their families. Therefore, KU and ENPO wants the Centre to extend further help to the survivors. The Nagaland government has given Rs 1 lakh to the injured victims for their health care as compensation.

Tingthok Konyak stated in a press release that ENPO and KU stand united in seeking justice for the departed souls and shattered families. Tingthok Konyak went on to say that he would fight until justice is served. “It’s not just us,” he continued, “but the entire ENPO is united, and we will fight together for this critical course. “Notably, last year’s ENPO withdrawal of non-cooperation was not permanent but temporary, and it is not yet withdrawn.

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