Naga organizations discontent with Supreme Court decision to close Oting massacre case

Several organizations in Nagaland have expressed their discontent over the Supreme Court's decision on September 17 to close criminal proceedings against 30 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 prosecution sanction despite the Special Investigation Team (SIT) finding concrete evidence against the 30 army personnel.

NSCN (I-M) described the incident as a "heinous crime" and criticized the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for allowing such violence. They stressed that this incident symbolizes systemic militarization and brutality under AFSPA.

The Naga Hoho also expressed deep disappointment. They stated that implying the case could proceed if the Centre grants sanction is merely "lip service." They criticized the judiciary for passing the responsibility to the executive branch, which they argue undermines the credibility of the judicial process and public trust in the rule of law.