IT News
Imphal, Sept 23:
The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), representing a coalition of various student unions across the northeastern states, has expressed deep concern over the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of India regarding the Oting massacre. The incident, which occurred in December 2021 in Nagaland’s Mon district, resulted in the death of 14 civilians at the hands of personnel from the 21 Para (Special Forces), a unit of the Indian Army. Despite substantial evidence gathered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), NESO noted that the Supreme Court’s decision on September 17, 2024, to close criminal proceedings against the accused military personnel has caused widespread disappointment.
NESO reportedly stated that the ruling is seen as a denial of justice for the victims and their families, who have long awaited accountability. The SIT, established by the Nagaland government, is said to have presented overwhelming evidence implicating 30 personnel of the 21 Para (SF), including senior officers, in the killings. Although a charge sheet was submitted to the District and Sessions Court of Mon, NESO pointed out that the Union Government has yet to grant sanction for prosecution, further obstructing the legal process.
The students’ body highlighted that this development has compounded the sense of alienation in the North East, where historical injustices have left lasting scars. NESO noted that the Supreme Court acknowledged the case could proceed if the Union Government provides prosecution sanction, but the delay in this decision sends a dangerous message regarding the value of civilian lives in the region. The continued enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), according to NESO, enables such incidents to occur with little accountability.
NESO reiterated its call for the immediate prosecution of the military personnel involved in the Oting massacre and renewed its long-standing demand for the repeal of AFSPA, which they argue perpetuates violence and impunity. The organisation warned that failure to address these issues will only deepen the cycle of mistrust and violence in the region.
