DIMAPUR — The alleged unwarranted abduction, detention and physical assault meted to four youth by certain armed individuals in the guise of Naga national workers on December 16 drew public irk from various organisations.
According to the accounts of several organisations, four youth were subjected to physical assault by armed miscreants in Thahekhu village following minor accident.
Several organisations including National Health Mission Employees Association Nagaland (NEAN), Tenyimi Students' Union Dimapur (TSUD), Tenyimi Youth Organisation Dimapur (TYOD) and Dimapur Rengma Students’ Union (DRSU), Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF), Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) and Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) have strongly condemned the abduction and assault on four youth.
NEAN: The NEAN stated that incident had shocked not only the family members but also the entire state and called upon all right-thinking citizens and organisations to strongly condemn such unwarranted crimes and to prevent such incidents in the future.
“Such heinous crime and assault meted out to innocent civilians in a civilised society by such self-declared national workers under the influence of alcohol and arms power is nothing but totally a cowardly act and has no place in such modern times,” NEAN said.
TSUD, TYOD: In another joint statement, the Tenyimi Students' Union Dimapur (TSUD) and Tenyimi Youth Organisation Dimapur (TYOD), while condemning the heinous and brutal physical assault on innocent youth, have termed as a clear violation of human rights and a threat to the safety and security of the community and individuals.
Describing the act of violence as completely unacceptable and has no place in the society, the two organisations demanded the authorities to take immediate action to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and to book them within 24 hours. It has warned of resorting to take its own course to ensure justice if its demand is not met within the stipulated timeframe.
DRSU, DRYO: The Dimapur Rengma Students' Union (DRSU) and Dimapur Rengma Youth Organisation (DRYO) also strongly condemned the brutal assault on three innocent youth by criminal gangs masquerading as national workers.
It stated that two of the victims, both brothers, were from its community of which one is a student and a bonafide member of DRSU.
The union urged the police not to succumb to political pressure in the case but conduct thorough investigation and deliver justice.
It referred to the state government’s notification through the Home department which clearly stated that the perpetrators of such criminal activities in the state should be booked under NSA and incarcerated outside the state. It expressed hope that the notification would be implemented in letter and in spirit.
CSUD: The Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) too has condemned the incident in which four individuals were detained and three of whom were brutally charged with verbal and physical assault.
The union has requested every right-thinking citizen to condemn such acts and also reminded all the Naga brethren to support each other.
“Let us stand for what is right and eradicate evil practices which bring disharmony. Let us all be reminded that our unity and peace is bigger than our ego and pride,” CSUD said.
WSYF: The Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) has termed the act of violence as not only unjust but antithetical to the ideals of justice, unity and humanity championed by genuine freedom fighters.
“The principles of freedom fighters are rooted in the fight for equality, dignity and protection of human rights. Acts of aggression, such as this assault, undermine these principles and sow division, especially among the youth who are the future custodians of our nation,” WSYF said.
While urging the members of the group involved to reflect on the values of those they claim to represent, WSYF stated that freedom fighters stood against oppression and violence and added that any action contrary to those principles betray their legacy and tarnish their honourable struggle.
It further appealed to all groups and individuals to honour the memory of freedom fighters by upholding their values and work towards a society free from fear and oppression.
DAYO: The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO), while condemning the incident, demanded immediate clarification on whether the location guarded by armed guards serves as a designated camp for any group under ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.
It also questioned whether the armed individuals involved in the incident are under ceasefire with the government of India or rogue elements masquerading as ‘national workers.’
DAYO also reminded the chairman of CFMG/ CFSB to make drastic amends in the existing ground rules as per the commitment made during the last consultative meeting. It further urged the concerned authorities to act decisively to prevent further erosion of public trust and ensure that law abiding citizens live without fear of violence or intimidation.
WNYF: The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has unequivocally condemned the blatant misuse of power and the inhumane treatment meted to innocent youth by some proclaimed national workers.
It also expressed concern at the growing rate of abduction, intimidation and assaults on layman by those supposed to be working for the welfare of the public. While discouraging gun culture, it called upon the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the law is upheld and keep a check on the rampant possession of arms in public spaces.
The different organisations have called upon the law enforcement agencies to immediately investigate and take appropriate action against all the perpetrators and to book them under relevant law.
They have further expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and wished them a speedy recovery.