Imphal: The Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) joined the condemnation against the indiscriminate shooting down of unarmed coal mine labour by the armed forces of the Union and subsequent repression of the protestors using lethal weapons resulting in the death of at least 16 civilians and injuries to a score of others at Oting, Mon district, Nagaland on December 4 last.
CSCHR reminded that the Government of India of its obligation to not only institute prompt, independent and impartial investigation but also for restitution of the loss suffered by the families of the victim caused by the wrongful act of the State.
The Oting Massacre is not an isolated incident, but it is yet another manifestation of the consistent pattern of atrocities committed by the Indian military deployed under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 in the North East region for more than half a century it was stated.
It said, “Mention may be made of Heirangoithong massacre, Operation Bluebird (Oinam massacre), Mokokchung massacre, RMC massacre, Malom massacre etc.
It was stated that the unfortunate incident has rekindled the longstanding demand for the repeal of AFSPA. All the official committees and commissions looking into the issue have consistently
recommended the repeal. The United Nations human rights mechanism including all the relevant Treaty Bodies, Thematic Special Procedures as well as the Universal Periodic Review have recommended the repeal of AFSPA as it grossly violates the most basic human rights.
It said it was encouraging to note the Chief Ministers of Nagaland as well as that of Meghalaya have reverberated that voice of sanity to repeal this draconian law. The issue has now echoed in the ongoing Parliament session in New Delhi. It said it was shocked and surprised by the stoic silence maintained by the Chief Minister of Manipur at this critical juncture. It said the CM built his political career using the anti-AFSPA movement.
CSCHR urged the Government of Manipur to put its weight for the repeal of AFSPA in order to fulfill the long-standing demand of the people of Manipur.
