The Churches Colony Council responds to the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union regarding the forceful closure of a business, calling for lawful governance.
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DIMAPUR — The Churches Colony Council has said that it has taken serious note of the rejoinder issued by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) concerning the recent forceful closure of a business establishment within Churches Colony in Dimapur.
The council stated that it fully recognises and respects the importance of safeguarding indigenous rights and addressing any genuine concern relating to fraudulent indigenous certification, unlawful land procurement, business malpractice, or exploitation of the public.
It noted that no responsible institution or citizen can remain indifferent to matters affecting the rights and future of the indigenous Naga people.
However, the council stated that it finds it both unfortunate and deeply concerning that the student body has deliberately attempted to shift the focus away from the central issue raised by the council, namely, the dangerous normalisation of unilateral enforcement, coercive action, intimidation, and the forceful closure of establishments by organisations that possess no lawful enforcement authority.
The issue raised by the council was never about whether concerns can be raised, as every organisation and citizen has the democratic right to question irregularities and demand accountability, it stated. The issue is whether any organisation, irrespective of its intentions or public support, can assume upon itself the powers of investigation, adjudication, and enforcement outside the framework of law.
The council firmly maintains that public legitimacy cannot substitute legal authority. It argued that if every organisation, union, or pressure group begins independently deciding which establishment to enter, which institution to punish, and which business to shut down based on its own assessment of justice, then the very foundation of public order and lawful governance will collapse. The rule of law exists precisely to prevent selective, emotional, and unilateral enforcement.
Also read: Indigenous rights, not MRP, behind action — Dimapur Naga Students' Union clarifies
The council stated that the student body, in its rejoinder, repeatedly sought to portray any criticism of its methods as opposition to indigenous interests. It called such an approach misleading and irresponsible, pointing out that questioning the manner in which an action was carried out does not amount to defending alleged irregularities.
The council categorically clarified that it neither defends nor intend to defend any individual, business establishment, or alleged malpractice. It asserted that if violations exist, competent authorities must investigate and act strictly as per the law.
The council further observed that the administration itself has, in recent times, demonstrated that legitimate grievances can indeed be addressed through due legal processes. The widely discussed indigenous certificate issue involving Nirmal Jain ultimately received administrative attention and official action through lawful channels, it added.
This, the council stated, reinforces its stand that lawful mechanisms remain functional and relevant when matters are pursued responsibly and within the framework of law. Therefore, attempts to justify forceful actions on the basis of public sentiment or moral conviction are dangerous precedents that must not be normalised under any circumstance.
The council also found certain portions of the rejoinder highly regrettable, particularly remarks suggesting that organisations questioning such actions are shielding malpractice or interfering for publicity. It stated that institutions are not measured by how loudly they react or how aggressively they posture but by whether they uphold restraint, responsibility, and lawful conduct even during emotionally charged situations.
The council reiterated that genuine indigenous concerns and public grievances deserve serious attention and lawful investigation, and no organisation, regardless of popularity or intent, is above due process and the rule of law. It stated that the forceful closure of establishments, intimidation, and unilateral enforcement actions are unlawful and unacceptable.
Stating that public support for a cause does not confer legal authority to enforce punitive action, the council noted that peace, order, and justice can only be sustained when all sections of society operate within established legal and constitutional boundaries.
The council urged all organisations and civil society bodies to exercise responsibility, restraint, and institutional maturity so that legitimate causes are not weakened by unlawful methods or confrontational conduct that risks disturbing public order and social harmony.
Joint meeting in Dimapur
Multiple organisations in Dimapur have convened a joint general meeting to deliberate on matters pertaining to the DNSU issue on Thursday, May 14.
A press release issued by the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) informed that the meeting will include the GB Union (Dimapur Sadar), Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DUCCF, and the Churches Colony Council.
The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Orchid Hall in Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, at 11 am. All concerned members and representatives have been requested to attend the meeting on time.