Organisations condemn Aug. 16 killing

Dimapur, Aug. 17 (EMN): NSCN (IM), Nagaland GBs’ Federation (NGBF) and the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) have strongly condemned the murder of Toishe Yeptho, a senior functionary of NSCN (IM) in the rank of a major, by unidentified gunmen inside his residence at Purana Bazaar on August 16. NSCN (IM) in a statement through its MIP was shocked at the dastardly act of killing Major Toishe Yeptho when the Nagas are still in upbeat mood having just celebrated the 73rd Naga Independence Day across Nagalim and strongly condemned the act. It has termed the act of the enemy as ‘wicked’ as they chose to strike at the time when the Nagas were at the threshold of making a deal with the Government of India to end the seven decades of Naga political struggle. Stating that Toishe had left behind a record of having given his best in the service of the Naga nation it said his name would be recorded in the pages of the Naga history. It further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God would grant them the strength and courage in their hour of grief. Meanwhile, NGBF president, Shahlem Konyak, and the general secretary, Shikuto Zalipu, have strongly condemned such cowardly act of killing in cold blood that too in front of family members. It regretted that despite frequent appeals from all the organisations/ section of societies to maintain peace and harmony as the Nagas’ political issue is at crossroad, such heinous crime could be carried out at this juncture. “Such attempt could be considered as an act of betrayal, to jeopardise and derail the peace process,” the statement said. NGBF urged the concerned authorities to investigate thoroughly and book the culprit immediately. It further convey condolence to the bereaved family members. In a related statement, CNTC stated that such kind of abominable act should be condemned by all and be severely punished adding the horrendous act upon one’s own brothers would only bring doom and curse to the society. CNTC media cell stated that in a time when every Naga is craving for peace, “such inhumane killing of a person who is son, a husband and father sows only seeds of hatred and bitterness amongst ourselves.” It appealed the Nagas to shed the practice of killing and annihilating but stand united for peace, progress and prosperity in the land. CNTC demanded the authorities to properly investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice and appealed all the groups and factions to maintain peace and harmony. CNTC further conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members.