Nagaland: Organisations demand justice after fatal assault in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — Several organisations have denounced the death of Mhathung Lotha of Yimpang village, Wokha, who succumbed to injuries after assaults at Naga Colony in Burma Camp, Dimapur, on November 9 and 10.

Dimapur Lotha GB Union: The Dimapur Lotha GB Union, condemning the “heinous, brutal, and inhumane assault”, said that while “misunderstanding and quarrels may at times arise among individuals or friends”, such differences can never justify taking the law into one’s own hands nor the taking of “an innocent life, a life that served as the sole source of livelihood for his family”.

The union urged the competent law enforcement authorities to take “swift and decisive action” by apprehending everyone involved and ensuring “the strictest and most exemplary punishment” under the law. It also appealed that no bail be granted to any of the accused persons “under any circumstances”.

The union conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Lt. Mhathung Patton and offered prayers for the full recovery of Chomben Kikon.

WSH: The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) stated that it was “deeply pained and troubled by the senseless murder” and the serious injury inflicted on his friend. It said such acts “go against human values and dignity” and urged authorities to act immediately.

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It appealed against viewing the incident through tribal lines and highlighted the statement of Dimapur Nkonjan Yimpang chairman, Nzanbemo Patton, who decided to let the law take its course. The hoho extended condolences and called for unity.

DLH: The Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH) condemned “the brutal assault of Mhathung and Chonben and the subsequent death of Mhathung following intimidation, extortion and mob violence”.

It said both victims were coerced to sign an agreement involving extortion of INR 25,000 each and that Mhathung succumbed to injuries from the assaults. The hoho conveyed sympathy to Chonben and urged authorities to conduct a “thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation”. It appreciated the police for swift arrests.

WSYF: The Western Sumi Youth Front stated that it was “deeply appalled and outraged by the barbaric and inhuman incident” in which an assault victim was “forcibly recalled home under threats and intimidation” and again beaten, leading to his death.

According to the WSYF, “a quarrel broke out between two groups during the night, leading to physical confrontation where one individual sustained severe injuries.” Colony GBs had temporarily intervened, and the matter was to be resolved the next morning.

However, “the injured victim, who had been admitted to the hospital for treatment, was coerced to return home under threats of dire consequences from the opposing party's family.” Despite the victim’s wife explaining his critical condition, “she was forced to bring him back from the hospital”, where he was subjected to further violence and compelled to sign documents under duress.

The WSYF stated that such brutality “has no place in a civilised society,” noting that recalling an injured man from medical care to be beaten again was “a direct challenge to law and order.” It highlighted that the agreement—made “presumably under coercion”—“unnecessarily and irresponsibly dragged” the names of three tribes into a conflict strictly between two individuals or families, calling this divisive and dangerous.

The organisation also raised concern over allegations that the victims were “threatened to be taken into camp with dire consequences”, demanding clarification on which “camp” was being referred to. If linked to any underground faction, the WSYF urged the group to take urgent action against those involved, stating that such misuse of underground influence threatens peace and public safety.

The WSYF called upon the district administration and law enforcement agencies to take “swift, firm, and decisive action” against all involved, stressing that justice must not be delayed.

WSSU: The Western Sümi Students’ Union said it was “deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident”. It condemned the act and urged authorities to “take swift and stern action against the culprit(s)”. The union cautioned society against the notion of “forgive and forget” in crime-related cases, stating that leniency emboldens offenders. It reiterated that “no one is above the law or below it”.

DDCF: The Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) expressed “strong resentment and dismay over the incident”. It conveyed condolences to the family and condemned the actions of those involved, urging authorities “to take all necessary steps to book the culprits under the relevant sections of the law”.

LMRSU: The Lotha Middle Range Students’ Union (LMRSU) also condemned “the brutal assault”. It expressed condolences and demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, urging authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.

NTPRADAO: The Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organisation (NTPRADAO) expressed “deep sorrow and outrage” over the tragic incident. It termed the act “premeditated murder”, condemned the perpetrators, and said “punishment applicable to cold-blooded murder should be delivered for justice”.

It urged authorities and customary bodies to ensure exemplary punishment and condemned “the nation workers, irrespective of faction or group involved”. It called for immediate action to apprehend the culprits.