Condemnation communique from Konyak students’ union

 If there is one country in the world, where the Security Forces deliberately showcase its military might against its own citizens in an absolutely unprofessional and unsophisticated manner, it is the INDIA. Being a part of the largest democracy, it is surprising to witness government sponsored tyranny and mindless killings and murder of innocent lives. 

The Konyak Students’ Union vehemently condemned the inhumane barbaric cold blooded murder of 14 innocent Konyak Naga citizens on the 4th & 5th Dec.2021, in Mon District, Nagaland, India. The act of heinous crime by the Indian Security Forces upon the law abiding citizens is highly appalling and that must be condemned by all the right thinking citizens across the Country. It is extremely abominable on the part of disciplined armed forces whose supreme duty is to defend the country and protect its citizens, to commit such atrocities against its own innocent citizens is unacceptable.

The Konyak in particular and the Nagas in general are the tribal communities living in the remotest part of the country and isolated from the critical crisis of the modern world such as Terrorism. Little did we know that the terrorism could also be sponsored by the popular elected government through established armed forces. Ever since the invasion and occupation of the Naga Hills by Government of India, the Nagas have been suffering untold misery under the draconian law of Armed Forces Special Power Act 1958, which provides blanket immunity and disproportionate power to military forces to kill, rape, harass and murder anyone even at the slightest glimpse of suspicion. The recent ambush and killings of our innocent people have reminded us of the horrific past years of slavery under the Indian military. Citing some of the atrocities to remind the Indian Uniformed Barbarians which they have committed in the past are, On  8th of January 1987, 13 civilians from Sheanghah Mokok village, under Mon district were ambushed while returning from fields. Among which 3 of them died on the spot, others injured, some of whom are still alive and observed the unforgiving day of that incident every year and the latest one being Oting massacre.

There are number of records similar or worse incidents of crime perpetrated on Konyak civilians  and across the Naga hills since the occupation by India which no amount of regrets and solidarity can indemnify. Unfortunately even after the dawn of political negotiation and peace process between the Nagas and India, Nagas still continue to live in the fear and horror. The Konyak Students’ Union wish to question the Central government whether the Ceasefire rules in the country permits the ambush on civilians by Indian armed forces?

On the same note, the union strongly refutes the baseless statement made by Shri. Amit Shah Home Minister, Govt. Of India in the parliament that ‘a vehicle approached the location and signaled to stop, however, the vehicle tried to flee, following which the vehicle, suspected of carrying insurgents, was fired upon.’’

There are sufficient evidence regarding the entire incident which the union and the community would provide during the process of investigation by Special Investigation Team (S.I.T). The credible facts and evidence reveal the core intent of Home minister to manipulate the brutal massacre of the innocent lives and to cover up the crime inflicted by the armed forces.

The Union also reject the term such as ‘mistaken identity’ or ‘intelligence failure’ used by the security apparatus to justify their well calculated massacre.

The Union fervently appeal the state government to strongly pursue people’s demand with the centre for immediate withdrawal of AFSPA from Naga Inhabited areas. How can a largest democracy in the world which aspire to champion the cause of Human rights and Peaceful World Order have such an inhumane laws like AFSPA in the country? As long as the Armed Forces Special Power Act law prevails , Nagas will never see the dawn of peace and prosperity.

The Union appeal the Special Investigation Team to conduct free and fair investigation in order to ensure justice towards the victims. The union express profound gratitude to all the Tribal Hohos, Women associations, Student bodies, and various individuals and organisations for standing in solidarity with Konyak community during these hard times.  The Union express deepest condolences and share the grieve and sorrows with all the bereaved families.

“May the almighty God comfort us and heal our land.”

Issued by

Konyak Students’ Union