The Konyak community of Nagaland will not participate any further in the ongoing Hornbill Festival.
This big decision by the Konyak community was taken over the killing of innocent civilians at Oting village in Nagaland’s Mon district.
The Konyak Union Kohima has cited “atrocities perpetrated by the security forces” at Oting village as the reason for pulling out of the Hornbill Festival.
“…the Konyak community hereby abstain from further participation at the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2021 citing atrocities perpetrated by the security forces at Oting village Mon district on Dated: 4th of December 2021,” the Konyak Union Kohima stated in its letter to the Nodal Officer for Hornbill Festival 2021.
Also read: Nagaland: 15 killed in firing incident at Mon
Also read: ‘Regretted’: Cause of loss of lives is investigated, says Army on Mon ‘killings’ in Nagaland
At least 15 people lost their lives in a firing incident at Mon district in Nagaland on Saturday evening.
The incident took place somewhere at Oting village in Mon district of Nagaland.
The incident allegedly took place when a group of labourers onboard a pick-up vehicle was on its way from Tiru village.
Notably, many are accusing security forces deployed in the area of opening fire upon the civilians.
Also read: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio announces SIT probe into Mon killings
A group of irate villagers also set on fire couple of vehicles belonging to the security forces following the incident of firing leading to deaths and injuries.
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has announced a special investigation team (SIT) probe into the killing of innocent civilians at Oting village in Mon district of the state.
While appealing for peace, the Nagaland chief minister said that a high-level SIT will investigate the killings and deliver justice.
“High level SIT will investigate and justice delivered as per the law of the land. Appeal for peace from all sections,” Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio said.
Also read: Left, liberals responsible for bitterness between Hindus and Muslims: Assam CM
The 3 corps of the Indian Army, headquartered at Dimapur in Nagaland, has issued a statement saying that it ‘regrets’ the “unfortunate loss of lives” at Oting village in the state’s Mon district on Saturday evening.
“The incident and its aftermath is deeply regretted,” the Indian Army’s 3 corps said in its statement.
It added that the incident and loss of lives are being put under investigation.
“The cause of the unfortunate loss of lives is being investigated at the highest level and appropriate action will be taken as per the course of law,” stated the Army.