- Loreni Tsanglao, NET Correspondent, Nagaland
Recent civilian killings in Oting village of Mon district, Nagaland due to the incessant spraying of bullets by the Indian Armed Forces have once again renewed the voices, demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Northeastern regions.
Amid the escalating clamour, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has alleged that state government is attempting to safeguard the criminals.
“State Govt is trying to protect criminals under the shadow of AFSPA. We will not allow criminals to escape under the shadow of AFSPA”, claimed the state President of Indian National Congress (INC) K. Therie.
“If the 21 Para Troopers are taking shelter under AFSPA, the State Govt should go to the Supreme Court. The law is very clear that if an offence is committed even by Army personnel, there is no concept of absolute immunity from trial by criminal court. The case is a gross violation of human rights and a heinous crime against humanity.” – alleged Therie.
Lashing out at the Neiphiu Rio-led government, NPCC President Therie asserted that state government is responsible for the loss of innocent lives in the Oting massacre.
“The massacre is a fall out of a game-plan to derail the ceasefire.” – stated Therie.
According to a press statement, NPCC President Therie asked the state government to apprehend 21 Para troopers and continue the probe, if the state government is loyal to its citizens.
“The Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Judgement in the case Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights Vs Union Govt of India, Nov 1997, is clear – AFSPA could be used only when prohibitory orders are violated and secondly, if people possess power to cause death. These were not the causes in the Oting massacre. They were innocent people who were mine workers returning home,” – mentioned the party.
“AFSPA cannot be used against on mere suspicion. It is an instrument of law, which does not act on its own. AFSPA is used by humans. The direction was allegedly against NSCN(K).” – added NPCC.
