Assam’s citizens’ group condemns Nagaland civilian killing

Axom Nagarik Samaj (ANS), a Guwahati-based citizens’ group has strongly condemned the killing of civilians by security forces in Nagaland’s Mon district.

“The killing of 13 villagers in Nagaland by the security forces was most shocking. At this moment of crisis and sorrow, our heart goes to the members of the affected families. We have no words to condemn this massacre by the security forces,” ANS said in a statement.

“Saying that it was a case of mistaken identity doesn’t hold water. It is no argument. It has absolutely no meaning for the deceased and their families. This wanton killing of ordinary people by the security forces must stop for once and all. We demand that all the perpetrators of the crime must be punished,” it added.

The citizens’ group also demanded immediate repeal of the AFSPA.

“We welcome the public denouncement of this Act by the incumbent chief minister of Nagaland. But in this regard, we must see some concrete steps on the part of the Nagaland government so that we can believe that the chief minister means what he says,” said ANS.

“The situation in Nagaland is tense. But the ordinary people there want to lead a normal and peaceful life. It is the responsibility of the Central Government to create a conducive atmosphere for this.

“But the Centre seems to be interested only in insidious politics which has plunged the state to permanent state of anarchy and uncertainty. This must stop. Otherwise peace and normalcy will never return to Nagaland,” said the civil society organisation.

The statement was issued by Harekrishna Deka, president, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, executive president,  Prasanta Rajguru, vice president and Paresh Malakar, general secretary of Axom Nagarik Samaj