Nagaland: Nagas participate in 70-km walkathon against Afspa

Hundreds of Nagas on Monday joined the 70-km walkathon demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958, and justice for 14 civilians allegedly killed by security forces at Oting village in Mon district. The march started from the supermarket area of Dimapur and is expected to reach Kohima on Tuesday.

Kevitho Kera, one of the organisers of the event, said: "We are demanding justice and adequate compensation for the victims; culprits must be brought to the book. We put equal weightage on the repealing of Afspa."

Chingmak Chang, president of Eastern Naga students Federation, said: "This march has been organised to get Afspa repealed. This draconian act has caused more harm to the people of the country. We want to remind the government that we will not stop till justice is delivered."


Following the Oting incident, a seven-member committee was formed to suggest Afspa's withdrawal from Nagaland, but it was extended for six months by the Union home ministry.

Meanwhile, Konyak Civil Society Organizations have convened an all-Konyak summit on January 14 to deliberate on the further course of action as "their demands haven't been met".