Dimapur, December 18 (MExN): Condemning the recent assault on four youths by “individuals allegedly associated with a group identifying as freedom fighters,” the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) through its Media Cell said that the principles of freedom fighters are rooted in the fight for equality, dignity, and the protection of human rights.
“Acts of aggression, such as this assault, undermine these principles and sow division, especially among the youth who are the future custodians of our nation,” it stated. These four individuals including students were confronted by a group known to operate in the shadows, perpetrating violence and instilling fear in our society. This blatant act of aggression is unacceptable and represents a disturbing trend of disregard for youth safety and community values. “We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms,” it stated.
It stated that the attack on these youths is not merely an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a larger issue that requires immediate attention and action from local authorities and community leaders.
“We urge the members of the group involved to reflect on the values of those they claim to represent,” it stated.
WSYF also called upon law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
WSYF also appealed to all groups and individuals to honour the memory of our freedom fighters by upholding their values and working towards a society free from fear and oppression.
DAYO: The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) has condemned the recent incident where four innocent civilians, among whom was a bonafide Ao youth who were allegedly assaulted at gunpoint by individuals claiming to be “national workers” and purportedly taken to a location in Thahekhu village.
DAYO demanded immediate clarification on whether this location guarded by armed guards serves as a designated camp for any groups under ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. Furthermore, DAYO questioned the status of the Akato group allegedly involved in this heinous act.
“Another pressing question is whether Dimapur is now subject to a parallel security framework. Are there shadow agencies operating in the city, harassing citizens at gunpoint? This is a dangerous precedent that cannot be allowed to persist,” DAYO added.
DAYO also called for a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident. “The culprits must be booked under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure accountability and justice.”
“The neutrality and professionalism of the Nagaland Police will be put to the test in this case as they also investigate their own personnel whose duty has been allegedly compromised,” it stated.
It also said that DAYO “strongly anticipates a swift and logical conclusion to the investigation under the leadership of Director General of Police, Nagaland.”
Further, DAYO also reminded the Chairman of the CFMG/CFSB to make drastic amends in the existing ground rules as per the commitment made during the last consultative meeting. DAYO urged the concerned authorities to act decisively to prevent further erosion of public trust and to ensure that law-abiding citizens can live without fear of violence or intimidation.
NEAN: The National Health Mission Employees Association, Nagaland (NEAN) condemned the abduction and physical assault of four young innocent youths including an employee of National Health Mission on December 16 at Thahekhu village, Dimapur by “National Workers” without any justification. “Such heinous crime and assault meted out to innocent civilians in a civilised society, by such self declared National Workers, under the influence of alcohol and arms power, is nothing but totally a cowardly act and has no place in such modern times,” NEAN President, Dr Thungjamo Ngullie and General Secretary, Kewetso Kenye stated in a press note.
The NEAN appealed the law enforcement agencies to immediately investigate and take appropriate action against all those perpetrators and book them under relevant Penal Law.
CSUD: The Chakhesang Student's Union, Dimapur (CSUD) has requested every right thinking citizen to condemn the incident and also “question as to why and how incidents of these instances fervently take place where common public are harassed in the name of National workers and create fear in the minds of the law abiding citizens.” CSUD President, Vesulhu Ringa in a press release reposed “its confidence in the security agents to bring justice and shed light on the matter.”
WNYF: The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has condemned “the blatant misuse of power and the inhumane treatment meted out to our innocent brothers by some self proclaimed national workers.” WNYF said it is concerned at the growing rate of abduction, intimidation and assaults on layman by those supposed to be working for our welfare.
WNYF urged upon the national workers irrespective of factions to stop their abusive practices and start respecting the people's rights and sentiments for peaceful co-existence as a people. “We also urge upon the concerned authorities to arrest and book all the culprits involved in the abduction, assault and intimidation of the innocent youths under NSA,” WNYF Interim President Aga Rengma stated in a press release.
DRSU: The Dimapur Rengma Students' Union (DRSU) in a press statement issued by President Khiti Kath and General Secretary, Esther Khing has stated that out of the three assaulted victims, two are from the Rengma community, both brothers, one of whom is a student.
The DRSU has requested the Dimapur Police not to succumb to political pressure in this case. The state government through the Home department had clearly notified that the perpetrators of all criminal activities in the state will be booked under NSA and will be incarcerated outside the state. The DRSU hopes that this notification will be implemented in letter and in spirit.
The DRSU added that the Dimapur Police should arrest the criminals responsible for the assault, without delay. “The next 24 hours is going to be very crucial. If arrests are not made within this time frame, the DRSU has no option but to conclude that the police is under political pressure,” the union added.
