Indian Tribal News Service
Guwahati/New Delhi
Several Naga tribal bodies are observing a 6am-6pm bandh today (December 6) as a mark of protest against the “blatant killing of innocent civilians” in Oting village on December 4 even as the death toll has reached 15, including 14 civilians and one personnel. The number of fatalities may increase with at least two of those injured being critical and evacuated to hospitals in Assam.
The Nagaland government has formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by an Inspector General of Police, to probe the incident. A murder case has been filed and transferred to the crime branch police station. The order for an SIT was issued by the state home department and signed by Chief Secretary J Alam.
While the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has called for a 12-hour total bandh in the entire Eastern Nagaland jurisdiction, the Ao Senden, an apex organisation of Ao tribe of Nagaland, has declared a total bandh, from 6am to 12 noon in the entire Mokokchung district.
The tribal bodies said the bandh exempted the district administration, police, fire and emergency services, medical department, students appearing for exams, media, banking services and postal services from its purview.
Rioting had spilled over into Sunday afternoon when mobs vandalised the offices of the Konyak Union and an Assam Rifles camp in the area, setting fire to parts of the camp.
At least one more person was killed and another two injured, as security forces fired back at attackers. The mob wanted immediate action against security force personnel involved in the firing.
Despite a ban on internet services in the district, videos of a mob vandalising the Konyak Union office in Mon and the Assam Rifles camp are circulating on social media. Section 144 too has been clamped in Mon district.
“The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable. Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections,” Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio tweeted. He will visit the affected district today.
The famed Hornbill Festival 2021, which was into its fifth day on Sunday (December 5), has been cancelled as tragedy struck the State.
Soon after, the ENPO announced the withdrawal of six tribes it represents from the ongoing Hornbill Festival. The six tribes later hoisted black flags on their morungs (dormitories).
