DIMAPUR — The office of the Pochury Students' Union (PSU) has raised concern surrounding the ongoing situation involving the NSCN-K (Khango) and the proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho, whose firm is currently undertaking road construction in the Meluri sub-division.
In a press statement, the PSU said that the construction of the two-lane road by the central government under the Meluri sub-division is not just a development initiative but a lifeline for the region.
Noting that the headquarters of Pochury, Meluri, serves as the commercial hub for the Pochury area, providing essential commodities, medical facilities, and other goods to all villages within the Meluri Sub-Division, it said that the risk of landslides and other hazards increases with the freshly cut earth, especially during the monsoon, which could directly affect the people.
“This project holds the promise of improved safety, better connectivity, and significant progress for our community. Halting this work now would undermine the hope and future prosperity that it brings to the people of Pochury,” it read.
Further, the union condemned the order of capital punishment and the immediate cessation of work. It stated that actions involving forceful collection and extortion from Naga brothers are unjustifiable and unacceptable, eroding the rule of law and instilling a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity among citizens.
It maintained that the progress and well-being of the community should not be held hostage by such coercive tactics.
The PSU appealed to the law enforcement agencies to intervene promptly to ensure the safety of Rülho and all those involved in developmental projects.
It also stated that the PSU remains committed to upholding justice, peace, and the rights of the Pochury community and will not remain idle in the face of actions that threaten the stability and development of the region.
It stated that it is firmly against any actions or external interference that obstruct or stop progress in the region, particularly when ongoing central government projects offer hope for future generations.
The union also expressed solidarity with the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) and appealed to the community and civil society organisations to unite in rejecting these unlawful demands and to support initiatives that promote peace and stability.
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The Nerhema Village Council, while condemning the "immature act" of issuing capital punishment against its native member, stated that the death penalty is reserved specifically for treason and other heinous crimes against humanity.
In a condemnation note, it stated that the Khango group, which lacks the mandate of the people, issued the death penalty due to receiving less money than demanded, and added that the act itself reveals the group's motives.
“It is nothing but a dastardly act of dacoity and extortion and in no way resembles the principles and sanctity of the national movement,” it said.
Calling Rülho "one of our very own, a son of the soil," the council stated that it is both the tradition and bounden duty of the council to protect its bona fide members and safeguard its interests.
It went on to declare that customary law would be enforced firmly and swiftly against the Khango group if any undesirable acts occur to Rülho, his kin, or any native members of Nerhema.
The Council also questioned the “constant and colossal failure” of the CFMG/CFSC to enforce ceasefire ground rules and accused them of remaining tactically dormant despite unwanted situations flaring up under their very noses due to their inability to control various groups and maintain the ceasefire rules.
“They need to wake up from their deep slumber and reign in the defaulter groups within the laid down rules,” it said, adding that the council firmly stands by AYO directives in toto.
The Naga Elder's Forum, Shillong (NEFS), also condemned “the act of extortion, death threat, and issuance of capital punishment” to Rülho by the NSCN-K (Khango).
In a press statement, the NEFS expressed solidarity and support for Rülho and the civil society organisations. The statement noted that Nagas are tired of the extortion, death threats, and harassment that have shaken the social and national fabric of Naga society.
“The Nagas cannot afford to pull each other down, which demoralises the hard-working generation of our people,” it said, adding that NEFS outrightly condemns the unbecoming behaviour of the group and urged the organisation to revoke the order at the earliest to avoid further deterioration and division in society.