AFSPA Act Repealment demanded as groups protest Oting killings in Shillong; Meghalaya
The horrific conduct, which resulted in the deaths of many innocent people, has enraged not only the people of Nagaland but the entire North East, prompting them to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Members of the Assamese Students’ Union Shillong, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), KSU, RBYF, HNYF, FKJGP, HITO, as well as representatives of various Naga groups and student’s unions, Twipra Student Federation, Shillong Law College, Karbi Students Union, and others took part in a candlelight vigil to express their solidarity in the demand for the repeal of the ‘draconian
The demonstrators gathered near Civil Hospital, waving candles and placards, to condemn the Nagaland killings, regardless of religion or community.
Several civil society organizations met here on Thursday to protest the recent killing of people by security personnel in Nagaland’s Mon district’s Oting hamlet. The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) and the Khasi Students’ Union led the demonstration (KSU).
These organizations’ leaders took turns speaking out against the killings in Nagaland and the repeal of AFSPA.
“We stand with the Nagas of Mon District,” “AFSPA 1958- A license to kill,” “Repeal AFSPA,” and “Remove all military establishment in Shillong” were among the placards displayed during the rally.
“We are protesting against the killing of the people in Oting village by security forces which resulted in the death of 14 innocent people and injuries to others and also to express solidarity with the people of Nagaland who are facing the pain due to the barbaric action carried out by security forces,” said NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa.
He added that repeated appeals for repealing AFSPA from the region have fallen on deaf ears, and that the sit-in aims to press for the same.
