As calls for justice for the victims of the 2021 Oting massacre grow louder, particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision to quash the case, various Naga organizations have voiced their concerns.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), WESEAN Naga Students’ Union, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Hoho, Oting Students’ Union, the Naga People’s Front, and the NSCN-IM are among those demanding accountability.
However, a noticeable silence has been observed from other organizations within Nagaland state.
In a recent article titled “The Oting Killings Deserve Accountability, Centre Owes This To Nagaland,” published by ABP, writer Sagarneel Sinha emphasized the need for justice. While the Supreme Court’s ruling allows the Army to take disciplinary action, it refused to prosecute the soldiers involved. Sinha argues that this decision could reopen old wounds in Nagaland, making the situation worse. “The Centre needs to set a precedent by ensuring some kind of action in the 2021 massacre. The families of the victims deserve justice. The Centre must intervene and address the concerns of the families and the Naga people,” he wrote, cautioning against the risks of further dissent.
Sinha also pointed out that while the Army’s mandate and immunity are crucial for national security, the killing of innocent civilians mistaken for terrorists cannot be excused. He urged the central government to take swift action to ensure the Naga people do not feel neglected or marginalized by the Indian state.
On the other hand, Jaideep Mazumdar, writing for Swarajya magazine, presented a contrasting perspective in his article, “Why Nagaland’s Attempt To Prosecute Indian Army Soldiers For A Botched Operation Is Wrong.”
Mazumdar defended the Centre’s decision not to prosecute the Army personnel, stating that their actions were a tragic mistake rather than one driven by malicious intent.
According to Mazumdar, the Nagaland government’s decision to initiate criminal proceedings against 30 soldiers of the 21 Para Special Forces, who were involved in the botched operation, was unwarranted.
Mazumdar further argued that if Nagas demand prosecution of the soldiers, they should also be prepared to prosecute NSCN cadres and leaders who have been responsible for deliberate killings of both military personnel and civilians.
“If Nagas have no problem with the Centre granting immunity to NSCN cadres and leaders and shielding them from criminal prosecution, why should the Nagas have a problem with the Centre’s refusal to sanction the prosecution of the Indian Army soldiers?” he asked.
He pointed out that unlike the deliberate killings by the NSCN, the firing on Oting villagers was a genuine error.
Mazumdar suggested that pursuing legal action against the soldiers could open the door for prosecution of NSCN cadres and other Naga leaders linked to militancy, which could implicate several political figures, civil society leaders, and businesspersons.
As diverse opinions emerge, one fact remains clear: the victims of the Oting massacre and their families still await justice.