Many more condemn
IMPHAL, Dec 7 : Many CSOs of the State have voiced their condemnation of the killing of innocent Nagas by Assam Rifles at Oting village in Mon district on the evening of December 4.
All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibee Apunba Manipur and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA) have jointly denounced the incident and stated that Assam Rifles have a long history of committing atrocities on the citizens of the Northeast.
In a statement released today, the organisations blamed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 for the widespread impunity enjoyed by the security forces.
Citing the uncountable acts of human rights violation committed by the AR, the statement questioned how they can call themselves "Friends of Hill People '' and "Sentinels of North East ''. The three organisations also called for a united Northeast to carry forth the movement for repeal of AFSPA.
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) too condemned the unfortunate incident and extended their condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased individuals. The UCM urged for a united Northeast to fight the evil that is AFSPA and pledged to partake in the movement.
Committee on Human Rights (COHR) strongly condemned the two consecutive incidents of firing that led to the deaths of innocent civilians and injured several others.
In their statement, COHR alleged the Indian security forces of committing many crimes in the name of counter insurgency operations where civilians were the majority of victims. COHR appealed to all NE people to come together and struggle collectively in a democratic way to get the draconian law (AFSPA) repealed.
North East Indigenous People's Forum condemned the brutal act and conveyed their condolences to the families of the victims in their press release.
Kangleipak Kanba Lup (KKL) denounced the incident terming it "dastardly genocidal killing of innocent Naga brethren" and demanded for the culprits to be tried as war criminals. Further, the statement also demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah to repeal AFSPA immediately.
Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) has expressed surprise and shock at the silence maintained by Chief Minister N Biren Singh regarding this condemnable incident, claiming that N Biren Singh used the anti-AFSPA movement to fuel his political career.
As such, CSCHR urged the Government of Manipur to stand for the repeal of AFSPA and also reminded the Indian Government of its obligation not only to institute a prompt investigation but also for restitution of the loss suffered by the victims' families.
World Meetei Council (WMC) expressed their solidarity with the Konyak tribe as well as the people of Nagaland and the bereaved families in this time of tragedy. WMC further condemned the inhuman action and called for the repeal of AFSPA stating that any law that allows security forces to kill people is unacceptable.