Nagaland killings: 7-day mourning ends but fight for justice continues

Konyak Union severs ties with Indian security forces

Dimapur, Dec. 13 (EMN): The Konyak Union (KU) on Monday concluded its 7-day mourning with candlelight vigils and prayer services across Mon district to show their honour and respect to the 14 innocent civilians killed by the Indian armed forces on December 4 and the 5th.

The Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs) -- Konyak Students' Union (KSU) and Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) – under the banner KU, have also declared several regulations for strict adherence, in accordance with the resolution adopted during the KU advisory board meeting on Sunday.

In a press statement, the CSOs stated that in accordance with its four-point charter released earlier, it would continue agitation in various forms until justice is served. Its first phase of agitation against the tyranny of the Indian armed force will begin on Dec. 16 with a public rally across Mon district. To show resentment, vehicles will have black flags, people to wear black badges and flags at offices will continue to fly at half-mast until justice is served.

Citing the gravity of the situation, the Konyak CSOs urged the people to refrain from any form of merry-making activities such as night bazaars, open picnic and other entertainment activities within Mon district until justice is served. However, it has exempted pre-scheduled programme such as weddings and church events.

It has demanded the state government to activate the Tiru Police Station within five days, stating that the tragic incident that unfolded at Tiru valley was due to non-functioning of the proposed police station.

It said the state government must ensure complete responsibility on the “speedy recovery” of the two surviving victims of Dec. 4 incident who are currently undergoing treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh.

“The two survivors are the living witness, hence, their medical treatment, their safety and their recovery must be well taken up by the state government,” it stated. 

The CSOs have directed the Oting Village Council to denounce the “Commendable Certificate”, which was awarded by the government of India in 1958 or assisting the Centre in maintaining peace in the region, terming it as a “mockery”. It said the recent massacre had shattered the trust that was built over decades and exposed the intention if the Indian army.

The Konyak CSOs also stated that its non co-operation served against the Indian military forces within the Konyak soil would continue until its charter of demand is fulfilled.