Nagaland Govt to call off Hornbill Festival following killing of 14 civilians

Kohima: Nagaland Government has decided to call off the Hornbill Festival 2021 following the killing of 14 civilians in Mon.

Minister & State spokesperson Neiba Kronu told media persons today at Kohima that the decision was taken during an emergency cabinet meeting held this morning under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. 

Kronu said in view of the mourning announced for the deceased and appeals made by the various civil societies demanding not to hold the festival,  the state government has decided to cease all ongoing activities of the Hornbill festival 2021. The Minister however said, the stalls set up by the entrepreneurs will continue at Kisama



so as to enable them to sell their perishable products.

The State Spokesperson also informed that the state government would write to the Centre to immediately repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA 1958, from the state. He said, at a time of festive seasons, the killing of 14 civilians is unfortunate.

On the impact of the recent incident on the ongoing Naga Political talks, Mr. Kronu said that core committee on Naga Political issue is planning to meet on December 9 wherein Assam Chief Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Chairman Himanta Biswa Sarma is also expected to be a part of the meeting.