Demand to repeal AFSPA intensifies across Nagaland amid protests

Kohima: The demand for justice for 14 civilians killed by security forces in Mon district on December 4 and 5, intensified across the state, with people from Eastern Nagaland taking to the streets on Thursday.

Broken, traumatised citizens of Oting yearn for peace, AFSPA-free Nagaland

After the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) called for a public rally across its jurisdiction, residents clad in traditional attire held placards demanding that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be repealed.

In Mon, hundreds of men and women marched in the street shouting “Repeal AFSPA” and “We want Justice.” Through the Konyak Union, a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the governor reiterating its earlier demand was submitted to the deputy commissioner of Mon district.

It demanded that all army personnel involved in the incidents be booked and punished as per law.

The Union also demanded that an independent enquiry under a competent investigating agency be established.

It reminded the government of its earlier demand to initiate action within 30 days, besides also demanding the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the North East Region.

Meanwhile, the ENPO has resolved to extend non-cooperation to the Indian security forces till its demands are met, and justice delivered to the families of 14 civilians killed.

It had also demanded that the Union Home Minister withdraw the statement made in the Indian Parliament, where he stated that the security forces fired in self-defence.

The Eastern Naga tribes consist of six major Naga tribes: Sangtam, Konyak, Yimkhiung (formerly known as Yimchunger), Khiamniungam, Phom and Chang. Eastern Nagas are predominantly settled in the districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng and Noklak.