DIMAPUR — Rengma
Selo Zi (RSZ), the apex youth organisation of the Rengma Nagas, while
condemning the brutal assault on three innocent youth by individuals claiming
to be Naga national workers on the intervening night of December 17, has served
four-point charter of demand to the Dimapur district administration.
In an ultimatum submitted to the deputy commissioner of
Dimapur, the organisation has demanded the government to apprehend the
perpetrators within three days.
It also demanded that the group responsible must issue a
public apology to the entire Naga people for their anti-national actions. It
stated the apology must be made in a public forum before the Naga people.
Besides, it demanded the group responsible for the heinous
act to be held accountable and that the government must immediately book the
culprits under the law and initiate befitting punishment for their criminal
actions.
The youth organisation stated that the incident was
disturbing and unacceptable, particularly at a time when the Naga people are
yearning for peace and resolution of the long-pending Naga political issue.
It added that of the three victims, two were from the Rengma
community—both brothers, one of whom is a student and a bonafide member of the
Rengma Selo Zi. It stated that those brothers were targeted and assaulted
without any justification, while helping a friend and his colleague who were
initially detained by the perpetrators.
It stated that such heinous acts cannot and will not be
tolerated by the Rengma Selo Zi or the Naga people.
Meanwhile, it warned that failure to act within the
stipulated timeframe would compel the Rengma Selo Zi to pursue democratic
measures to ensure justice.
It, therefore, urged the district administration to treat
the matter with utmost urgency and seriousness. It maintained that the safety
and dignity of every citizen must be safeguarded, especially when groups misuse
the guise of national service to perpetrate crimes against innocent
individuals.
While affirming its commitment to protecting the rights and
well-being of the people, it expressed hope the government would fulfill its
duty to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
Condemnations
Several organisations including the Chakhro Angami Kuda
Students’ Union (CAKSU), Zunheboto unit of National Health Mission Employees’
Association (NEAN) and Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct
Action Organisation (NTPRAPAO) have vehemently condemned the assault meted to
innocent citizen on December 17 in Thahekhu village.
The organisations have appealed to the law enforcement
agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigation and book the perpetrators
under relevant laws. They have further expressed solidarity with the victims
and their families.
