Civil society organisations in Nagaland have condemned the abduction of Kiyeto Zhimomi, calling it a betrayal of the Naga cause and a threat to public safety.
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DIMAPUR — Civil society organisations on Monday accused armed factions of betraying the Naga cause, stating that the abduction of Kiyeto Zhimomi, Head GB of Vikuho village, signals a dangerous descent into criminality and lawlessness.
In separate statements, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), the Western Sümi Hoho (WSH), the Western Sümi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) and the Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) strongly condemned the abduction, allegedly carried out by NSCN/GPRN (Khango/Hokato Vusshe), describing it as a grave violation of ceasefire ground rules and a direct assault on Naga dignity and public safety.
The DNSU identified the January 19 abduction and assault of Zhimomi as part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, extortion and intimidation by armed groups across Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts.
It alleged that such groups have been exploiting the ceasefire to terrorise civilians, traders and community leaders, undermining the peace process and threatening public security.
Related: Vikuho village Head GB abducted, alleges assault and extortion by NSCN (K) faction
“These so-called ‘national workers’ are no true freedom fighters,” the DNSU stated, asserting that the proliferation of factions has corrupted the legacy of the Naga political movement.
It stated that criminal acts carried out in the name of patriotism have eroded public trust and fuelled growing resentment among youths, families and communities.
The DNSU further demanded decisive and impartial action from the Ceasefire Monitoring Body (CFMB), urging it to strictly enforce ceasefire rules and thoroughly investigate the abduction to end armed impunity in civilian areas.
Echoing similar concerns, the WSH and WSKH issued a joint statement and termed the abduction of a village authority and local entrepreneur a “grave provocation” and a reflection of rising lawlessness.
While noting that the victim has since been released, the Sümi bodies said that the crime itself remains serious and wholly unacceptable.
They warned that kidnapping, abduction and ransom-driven intimidation amount to predatory criminality against one’s own people and represent a profound moral collapse within society.
Any group invoking the Naga political cause while terrorising civilians for monetary gain, they asserted, has forfeited all moral, ethical and political legitimacy.
Meanwhile, the DAYO stated that it was deeply disturbed that such an incident occurred at a time when the people of Nagaland are yearning for peace, stability and progress.
While expressing relief over Zhimomi’s release, the organisation stressed that abduction is a grave criminal and inhumane act that creates fear psychosis, threatens social harmony and sends a wrong message to the business community and ordinary citizens striving to earn an honest living.
Describing the incident as a serious warning sign for the overall security environment in the state, the DAYO appealed to all concerned to refrain from abduction, coercion, intimidation and unlawful activities, stating that such practices have no place in a civilised and progressive society.