Naga organizations discontent with Supreme Court decision to close Oting massacre case
Indian Army personnel involved in the Oting massacre on December 4, 2021.
These organizations include the Oting Students' Union (OSU), Naga Students' Federation (NSF), NSCN (I-M), and Naga Hoho. The Supreme Court's decision followed an FIR against the army personnel accused of a botched operation that resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P B Varale stated that because Nagaland is under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, sanction from the competent authority was required under Section 6 of the Act to proceed with prosecuting the personnel. On February 28, 2023, the competent authority declined to grant this sanction.
The Oting Students Union (OSU) expressed deep disappointment over the ruling. In a joint statement, OSU President Noknai Konyak, Vice President Topong Konyak, and General Secretary Honyeih Konyak described the decision as «disheartening» and a grave concern for justice. They said, «The ruling is an insult to the memory of the victims and their grieving families, as it absolves those responsible without any accountability.»
The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) also voiced their outrage. In a statement to the Union Home Minister, NSF President Medovi Rhi and General Secretary Chumben Khuvung emphasized their dismay over closing the proceedings for the deaths of 14 civilians. They stated, «What is the Government of India trying to hide?» and «Why is justice being withheld despite the gravity of the crime?» NSF condemned the government's refusal to grant
