Revisiting Oting: We won’t be at peace until we get justice, say villagers

Reyivolü Rhakho

Kohima, Dec. 3 (EMN): On this day, precisely 365 days ago, 13 sons of Oting were shot dead by the 21 Para Special Forces in a botched ambush and consequent violence, triggering outrage in the state.

The ambush on eight coal miners returning from Lower Tiru in a bolero pick-up at Yatong-Langkhao area under Oting village on December 4, left six of them dead. The incident led to the killing of seven more civilians and an army personnel following a scuffle between the villagers and the paramilitary forces the same day, and one more civilian the following day, taking the civilian casualties to 14.

When Eastern Mirror visited Oting village last week, almost a year after the tragic incident, the villagers expressed their anguish and frustration over the delay in delivering justice for their sons.

‘By any means, we want justice, and unless we get justice, we are not going to let go. Unless we get justice we will not be at peace with the Indian army. Till we get total justice, we will never be happy with the Indian Army,’ said 57-year-old Chemwang Konyak.

Konyak’s eldest son, Shomwang (32), was among the six coal miners shot dead on the spot by the armed forces on that fateful day.

‘For what reasons have they killed our sons? We want to know the reason,’ he demanded.

‘Nagaland Police investigated the incident and concluded that the Army was wrong. But till now, they never admitted that they were wrong in killing the innocent public, nor asked for forgiveness from us. If they did so, at least that would make us feel better,’ Chemwang added.

It may be recalled that the government of Nagaland had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Oting killing incident, which was completed after a little more than six months. The SIT named 30 Indian Army personnel including an officer in its charge sheet, and is awaiting sanction for prosecution.

However, the Supreme Court stayed the proceedings against the 30 Army personnel after hearing pleas, one of which was filed by the wife of Army personnel, who was booked by the Nagaland Police. 

The Army also started the Court of Inquiry in the aftermath of the incident which has been completed since May, except for examinations and analysis of the SIT report.

Expressing frustration over the case being held by the court, Konyak said: ‘Our sons are not onions or potatoes. No amount of money will bring back the life of those who were killed.’

‘When in reality, the army personnel are supposed to be there for the safety of the people, they are doing the opposite by killing the public using the AFSPA. How many Nagas and innocent people have they killed?’ he asked.

The aggrieved father said that they cannot do anything to the “mighty” Indian Army.

‘But now, the cries of the victims’ families have reached heaven. In 2022, many army personnel died but we did not kill them. God is not happy with them because they were wrong. Even in 2023, if they do not ask for forgiveness from us, the same fate will happen to them. Because they laid their hands on pure blood and threw them in the jungle,’ he said.

‘People used to say that the victims’ families have received compensation, and got government jobs. But we don’t want to hear that at all. We never asked for compensation or for a job in the first place but they forced us to take it. We never submitted an application for this,’ he added.

While making an appeal to the Nagas for their continued support until justice is served, he also said that going to court needs financial stability, which the villagers don’t have.

‘The 14 civilians are not only the sons of Oting but of the Nagas. The Naga blood has been shed and the people should fight for them. Today, we are victims but tomorrow it may happen somewhere else. Today, we are shedding tears and need your earnest support in fighting for justice,’ he added.

The chairman of Oting Village Council, Longwang, said that prior to December 4, 2021, the 13 victims were sons of Oting but after the incident, they are sons of the Nagas.

On the case being stayed by the Supreme Court, he said ‘the matter should be taken up by the Naga public, leaders, and government.

‘It is for the Naga public, state government machinery and public leaders whether or not to fight for justice; and whether to talk or not to talk about the matter to the government of India depends on the state government and public leaders. What can we villagers do?’ he asked.

‘Just like the whole Nagas have supported, showed solidarity, protested for repeal of AFSPA and demanded justice for the 14 sons after the incident, I urge the Nagas to continue to fight for them till justice is delivered,’ he added.

‘The killing happened in Oting and Mon but AFSPA has been removed only in those areas other than Oting and Mon. This means that till now, we did not get justice, which is why our hearts are not at peace,’ the village chairman pointed out.

Earlier this year, the Home Ministry announced repealing of the AFSPA in some parts of the state. It has been lifted in three districts and partially lifted in four districts but still in force in the remaining districts including Mon.

“We want to hear news of those who shot the innocent public being punished,” he said.

Oting to observe Black Day

In remembrance of the 13 sons of Oting killed a year ago, the village will be observing “Black Day” today, (December 4) at the incident site (Yatong/Langkhao) as well as in the village.

“We are still in pain and are going to observe a black day on December 4 this year,” the chairman told this newspaper. 

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation has also announced that Black Day will be observed in the entire eastern Nagaland jurisdiction on December 4 and the 5th, by hoisting black flags in all the households.

‘We have started clearing the forest (killing site) and will develop the area. In their memory, we are going to erect some structures and develop the place where the incident took place. That is our job,’ said Longwang.

‘Anyone can go down to the site and say prayers. But since everyone cannot go down to the site, Black Day will also be observed in the village itself,’ he added. 

When Eastern Mirror visited the shooting site last week, the stretch of road and the forest area in the vicinity had been cleared. The villagers have already started plying on the new road, which is a few metres away from the old one.

‘Soon, the village will be filled with mourners and you will hear the parents and family members of the victims wailing as December 4 is approaching,’ said the village chairman.