Konyaks in Dimapur organise candlelight vigil in honour of Nagaland firing victims

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Dec. 13 (EMN): The Konyaks in Dimapur on Monday organised a candlelight vigil at Konyak Community Centre Purana Bazaar to mark the culmination of 7-day mourning over the killing of 14 civilians in Mon on December 4 and the 5th.

Speaking on the occasion, Convener of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that the Konyak community represents the entire Naga community and the seven days of mourning is over but ‘it is just the beginning of the fight for justice’.

‘The world is watching us. What are we going to show?’ he asked, adding that today the people need unity. He went on to say that the FNR fully support them (Konyaks) and stands with them.

A representative of Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) acknowledged the people, various organisations and state governments for their support towards the people of Konyak.

The representative said that they will continue to fight till justice is served and added that even though Monday was the last day of mourning, it’s the start for the fight for justice.

Dr Akum Longchari said that after listening to their (Konyaks) stories, the incident was an utter disregard for the right to live and personnel liberty. When the right to life is taken away, all other rights become meaningless. The right to life has to be secured and the Oting incident is a reminder that right to life is not secured, he said.

Maintaining that Oting must tell the stories to the world as the truth lies in their stories, he told the gathering that the FNR is holding a public rally in memory of the Oting victims and the Nagas on December 19.

‘They all want peace but they want long-term peace; not short term peace, a peace that is not imposed from above but a peace that is based on justice and freedom,’ he added.

The Oting incident happened at a time when Nagas were blinded by hate, selfishness, corruption, and leadership is fragmented, he said, adding that this tragic incident should wake them up from slumber.

The president of Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) said that they were silent as they were mourning but their demand would continue. Stating the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is removed, there cannot be a fair trial, he appealed to the central government to remove the draconian law and book all the security forces personnel who were involved in the killing of innocent lives.

He added that as a youth, they want to live in peace but not in apprehension. He added that Nagaland is a peaceful state but AFSPA is causing all the menace.

He went on to say that no storm can break them and unity is not a new word for Nagas. Nagas might have differences but no battle is difficult to achieve when they are united, he concluded.

The president of Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation Dimapur (ENWOD) also spoke at the occasion.