DIMAPUR — The
Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and Rengma Hoho have condemned the actions of cadres
from the NSCN-R (Akato) group, who abducted and assaulted four Naga youths.
The NCD, while condemning the "barbaric" act
against four individuals, including a student, without any reason or
provocation—namely Tenyenlo Kemp, Pechysinlo Kemp, Lipok Jamir, and Inaho
Chophy—appealed to the law enforcement agencies and police to arrest the culprits
and ensure that the cadres involved are given appropriate punishment according
to the law.
Further, in a press statement, the NCD appealed to the
government and law enforcement to remove all cadres of "Naga national
factional groups" from Dimapur and its surrounding areas, particularly
during this festive season.
“Government should also see that Ceasefire Ground Rules are
strictly adhered to by all Naga political groups,” it read. The NCD also
expressed its full support, cooperation, and solidarity with the victims in
their fight for justice and their rights.
In a separate press release, Rengma Hoho expressed that such
cowardly and inhuman behaviour by so-called national workers is nothing short
of a heinous attack on the fundamental rights and dignity of innocent civilians.
“This vile act of brutality is a shameful disgrace to the
Naga community and a direct assault on our shared values of humanity and
justice. Such acts of terror, under the guise of nationalism, are not only
utterly unacceptable but also deeply deplorable,” it said.
Stating that it stands in unwavering solidarity with the
victims and their families during this harrowing time and prays for their swift
and complete recovery, the hoho urged the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell to take
immediate and decisive action against the perpetrators and the group
responsible for fostering such anti-social activities.
“Cadres of any faction must not be allowed to roam freely or
wield arms outside their designated areas. Failure to act decisively fosters an
environment of lawlessness, threatens public safety, and instills fear
psychosis among innocent civilians,” it further added.
Meanwhile, it commended the swift action taken by the
commissioner of police, Dimapur, the officer-in-charge of the Urban Police
Station, and the team of Dimapur police personnel in apprehending some of the
accused. It also demanded that the remaining perpetrators be arrested without
delay and face the full extent of the law.
It insisted that the group responsible issue a public
apology for their anti-social and anti-Naga behaviour and called upon the
government to ensure appropriate compensation for the victims and their
families.