Nagaland Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma.
‘CFSB offices not for crime’
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | January 23
Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma said that three cadres of the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) involved in the suspected abduction and assault of Kiyeto Zhimomi have surrendered.
The development followed what was described as a police “embargo” placed on the Naga Political Group's (NPG) Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) office in Thilixu village.
He said that police personnel had entered and searched the camp, but initially found none of the suspects. It was followed up with the police maintaining a prolonged encirclement and embargo, forcing the NPG to eventually produce the accused individuals.
The DGP told a press conference at the Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on January 23, that the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) was left with “no option” but to hand over its cadres involved in the abduction of Zhimomi, also known as Kits Zhimo. According to him, initial negotiations failed, necessitating the police action.
He cited the January 21 press conference, addressed by the NPG’s MIP as admission of the alleged crime. As stated at the said press conference, he said that the crime was committed under instructions from their senior leaders.
Consequently, the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) declared the incident a violation of Ceasefire Ground Rules, deeming the faction's explanation “unsatisfactory.”
The DGP further pointed out that the state Government had issued a clarification on April 29, 2024, explicitly defining the limits of the NPGs – in ceasefire with the Government of India – and what constitutes extortion. He asserted that the group “ought to have been aware” that their actions violated these established norms.
As of Friday evening, three suspects were in custody, but the police have identified seven individuals involved, and are actively seeking the remaining suspects. Addressing allegations made by the faction that the victim was collecting illegal taxes, Sharma stated the police would investigate if formal complaints and evidence were provided. “A victim is not always a victim, and an accused is not always an accused,” Sharma remarked, indicating that the police would act on evidence of offenses by any party.
The DGP clarified that CFSB offices are meant solely for maintaining peace and preventing inter-factional clashes, not for confinement or criminal activities. He asserted that no faction has the right to summon the public to these offices. “If anyone complains to us... we shall take action,” Sharma said that ceasefire offices do not provide immunity from the law.
He also cautioned the public against complying with such summons or financial demands. “Please don’t do it,” he said, advising the public to report such instances to the police or district administration instead.
He cautioned that paying these groups could be legally construed as an offense of financing criminal activities
He further supported the demand by Western Sumi organizations to relocate these offices out of populated areas, noting that if a landowner or village council withdraws consent, the faction must move.
CCTV & ANPR project
Sharma also announced that the Government of India has agreed to fund a “carpet network” of CCTV and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras for Dimapur and Kohima.
To a query regarding the sustainability of the proposed project given the state government’s poor track record, he admitted that sustaining such projects remains a challenge. A similar project in Dimapur, launched with great fanfare, dating to 2016-17 went defunct within months.
According to him, the previous attempt failed because cameras were “isolated” without centralised connectivity. He said that the proposed project will feature centralised 24/7 control rooms with AI-enabled systems. He added that the project has provision for the Centre funding internet connectivity for the first year.
Responding to a separate query on when the department would initiate an E-Challan system to prevent cash fines from going missing, Sharma stated that the proposal is pending state government permission. He revealed that a bank had agreed to provide free Point of Sale (POS) machines, but the plan “has not taken off.”
Asserting his interest in centralising revenue into “one coffer” for the state government, Sharma remarked, “If I could, I would like to start tomorrow.”
