The funeral of civilians shot dead by the Army on Saturday were held on Monday. Several organisations called for shutdown. The Naga Students’ Federation demanded a court-monitored committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to probe the incident. NSF has asked all federating units and subordinate bodies to sever ties with the armed forces until befitting punishments were given to the guilty. The Nationalist Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim said that what was more shocking was “the pretext given by the security forces that the killing was because of mistaken identity. What a shameless defence when there is not even one piece of indication that they could present to prove that the laborers were insurgents. It appears to be a pre-predetermined massacre, carried away by anti-Naga hostility. Rubbing salts in the wounds of Nagas is the statement of home minister Amit Shah in Parliament defending the killers. He put the blame upon innocent villagers for not stopping the vehicle. We are constrained to condemn this irresponsible statement too.”
“For the first time from the Nagaland government we have said the Army is guilty”
Rio said, “Afspa gives immunity to forces. The law is being debated even in international fora. We are the biggest democracy and a lot of people have been demanding removal of Afspa. However, every year the Centre extends the Act in Nagaland saying it’s disturbed. All armed groups are observing ceasefire and are part of peace talks. So, why extend Afspa? The Act was imposed for insurgency but where is insurgency now,” Rio asked
“Afspa is counterproductive and despite being operational for a long time, it has not resulted in solving the problem. We urge the Government of India to repeal Afspa”
Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma echoed Rio’s views. “We have opposed Afspa” for long. It is counterproductive and despite being operational for a long time, it has not resulted in solving the problem. We urge the Government of India to repeal Afspa,” Sangma said. Afspa has been lifted from Tripura and Meghalaya.
“Our brothers have been killed by security forces. We are here to show solidarity. These civilians were innocent, they were not guilty. World will not forget this. This day will be a black day for the entire Nagaland, no one will forget this day. This is a big sacrifice. For the first time from the Nagaland government we have said the Army is guilty,” Rio said. “The entire Nagaland is protesting. Hornbill festival activities have been cancelled today. We will do a proper investigation. We will pursue justice.”