Indian Tribal News Service
Guwahati/New Delhi
The Nagaland Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on Tuesday called off the ongoing Hornbill Festival as a mark of protest after 14 civilians were killed in firing by security forces.
“All activities of Hornbill Festival 2021 should cease in view of mourning announced for the deceased in the firing incidents in Mon district,” said state minister Neiba Kronu.
The situation in the state was described as “tense, but calm” by officials.
The 10-day Hornbill Festival is the state’s largest tourism extravaganza, held at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama near the state capital. It was scheduled to end on December 10.
Tuesday was the seventh day of the fest, which had opened to a capacity crowd, with over 12,000 visitors making it to the event being held after a gap of one year due to Covid restrictions.
Earlier, the state government had cancelled Monday’s event at the venue. Several tribes had suspended all activities at their respective morungs over the killing in Mon district and hoisted black flags of protest and solidarity.
The state Cabinet has also decided to write to the Centre demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. It has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incident to complete the investigation within a month, according to state ministers.
The firing incidents took place in Oting-Tiru area on December 4 and Mon town on December 5.
