World renowned musician and singer Alobo Naga has condemned the killing of 13 civilians on Saturday evening by security forces at Oting village in Nagaland’s Mon district.
Alobo Naga has said that the Nagaland civilians were “murdered in cold blood” by the security forces.
“They (deceased villagers) were unarmed and possessed no hint to be mistaken for militants but were murdered in cold blood,” said Alobo Naga.
The singer further alleged that when the villagers rushed to the spot after hearing gun shots, they found the “Indian Army trying to hide the dead bodies of the six individuals by wrapping and loading them in their truck”.
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Alobo Naga said: “It was reported that they (security personnel) tried to act normal and some even put stuff above the dead bodies and even sat on it to avoid suspicion.”
“The remains of blood from the mini-truck were also attempted to hide by putting sand in it. This indicates that their intention to hide the blunder made by them,” he added.
Alobo Naga further went on to say: “Upon seeing the sceptical situation there, the village youths who appeared in the incident searched the truck and found the dead bodies after which the violence broke out between the villagers and the army.”
“The villagers burnt down the trucks of the army and started attacking them with Dao and the machete they were carrying with them. Had they carried the locally made guns, the situation would have been even worse for both sides.”
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He adds: “However, in retaliation to the attack by the villagers, the Army fired them which led to the death of more individuals altogether 13 already and several left seriously injured.”
“There are still some individuals missing in the jungle and their whereabouts are yet to be ascertained as to whether they are even alive or dead,” Alobo Naga claimed.
Meanwhile, Alobo Naga also appealed all to join forces and fight against the ‘draconian’ law – Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
“We also appeal everyone to come and fight together to repeal, revoke AFSPA. We want it to be taken away. Nagaland is one of the most peace loving state. We invite everyone to come forward,” Alobo Naga said.