North East Students Organisation (NESO), the umbrella body of all the major students’ associations of the Northeast states, has condemned the killing of innocent civilians in Nagaland’s Mon district on December 4.
The students’ body, on December 5, has also demanded for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the region.
“Deeply anguished over the loss of innocent lives in Oting village of Mon district in Nagaland. The action of the security forces is an unpardonable and heinous crime,” said NESO advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharjya in a statement.
“It shows the government’s unwillingness for peace and stability in the Northeast region. Demand exemplary punishment for those involved in this barbaric act,” the statement added.
At least 14 people, including a security personnel, have been killed in several incidents since December 4. First, it was a case of ‘mistaken identity’ as the security forces later claimed when the forces opened fire at the villagers. And then an agitated mob attacked camps of Assam Rifles and the forces again opened fire in self-defense.
Paying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the veteran student leader also raised the demand for revoking of the ‘draconian and undemocratic AFSPA’.
“Protect the citizens of our region,” Bhattacharjya demanded.
Apart from NESO, several organisations in Nagaland and other Northeast states have condemned the incident and raised the demand for revoking the AFSPA.
