DIMAPUR — Dimapur
Police have arrested all the seven persons allegedly involved in the illegal
confining and subsequent assault of three youths at Thahekhu village in the
early hours of December 17.
They are Khevito Yeptho (28), Itovi Yeptho (39), Atoka Sumi
(37), Kakuho Achumi (26), Jonathan Ngade (45), Lumtsaba Sangtam (30), and
Holuvi Yeptho (34).
The last four accused persons, according to police, were members
of the Akato-led NSCN.
Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, told a
press conference on Sunday that they have seized two weapons — one AK-47 rifle
and one pistol —which were allegedly used for threatening and assaulting three
victims.
Sophie narrated that on the intervening night of December 16
and the 17th, there was a minor collision between a car and a scooter at Church
Road.
The two riders on the scooter initially demanded repair of
their two-wheeler and called their friends, who later turned out to be members
of NSCN. They then took the two persons in the car to a house in Thahekhu
village, the CP said.
From Thahekhu village, the two persons also called up their
friends; after their arrival, three of them were illegally confined and subjected
to physical assault, he said.
Citing the victims’ account, the CP said that they were
initially slapped, then beaten with sticks. One of the victims said that he was
assaulted with the butt of an AK-47.
The victims also told the police that the perpetrators, with
the AK-47 and a pistol, warned them against going to the police, saying that
they now know their faces and identity ‘and can take action anytime, anywhere.’
Sophie also rejected claims that the police were initially
reluctant to register a case in connection with the incident.
He clarified that when the police register a case, they have
to first ascertain the facts of the case and determine which section to book it
under, take the statements of the victims, and only then can they register the
case under the appropriate sections of law.
The CP pointed out that on December 17 itself, police could
arrest three of the accused persons. Another one was arrested the next day, on
December 18, while the remaining suspects were arrested on December 21.
The district police chief acknowledged the assistance from
different organisations, particularly the Thahekhu Village Council, to help the
police bring to book all the accused persons at the earliest time possible.
He appealed to the Naga political groups not to accept or
give shelter or refuge to criminals who try to join them after committing
crimes.
Whether they are civilians or members of any group,
criminals should not be given any protection by any organisation or group, he
added.
Also, the CP noted that it has become a habit for
organisations to give ultimatums to the government or government agencies. He
felt that ultimatums can sometimes be irrational and irresponsible, especially
when the police are trying their best to prevent crimes and catch criminals.
