Graves of 13 out of the 14 youths killed by security forces in Oting on December 4 and 5, 2021, are seen in this photo taken on December 3, 2022. (Morung File Photo)
Uncertainty Looms Over Oting Killings Verdict
Morung Express News | Dimapur | September 18, 2023
A year after 13 civilians tragically lost their lives in Oting village, Mon district, during an alleged botched operation by the 21 Para Special Forces, the Supreme Court’s decision to close criminal proceedings against 30 accused Army personnel on September 17, 2023, leaves the community disheartened and in limbo.
Oting Baptist Church Pastor T Nokyem expressed deep disappointment over the ruling, criticizing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, which shielded the accused. “If this was to be, the Court shouldn’t have taken up the case of the Nagaland Government in the first place,” he remarked. Nokyem reiterated his call for an apology from the security personnel involved, questioning the “mistaken identity” defense and highlighting his family’s military background to underscore his point.
Disillusioned and uncertain about the future, the people of Oting, according to Nokyem, feel "helpless" and are awaiting further guidance from village officials. An official statement from the village is pending an official letter from district authorities.
The Konyak Union (KU) also conveyed disappointment, planning to issue a statement post-judgment review. On September 18, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) condemned the Supreme Court’s decision, arguing it diminishes any possibility of justice for the victims and their families, and urged the Nagaland State Government to file an immediate review petition.
However, the Supreme Court’s ruling included a caveat: the case may be revisited if prosecution sanction in the future is granted, particularly in light of the Nagaland Government’s writ petition challenging the Union Defence Ministry’s denial of prosecution sanction filed in April 2024.
This ongoing situation leaves the community grappling with unresolved grief and a fervent hope for justice.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/disappointment-echoes-as-oting-reacts-to-supreme-courts-ruling
Category : Nagaland
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