DIMAPUR, JUNE 6 (MExN): In a shocking incident, unidentified miscreant (s) opened fire at the residence of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Secretary General, Abu Metha at Sovima, 7th mile on the night of June 5. During that time, Abu Metha was reportedly with his wife and children. Providentially, no one was harmed.
Reports said the incident occurred around 10:30 pm when some unidentified gunmen fired around several rounds at the family residence. The gunmen reportedly returned and fired more rounds one-hour later.
Following the incident, organizations and political parties have voiced condemnation on what it termed as a life attempt on the NDPP leader.
The NDPP central executive board called for an emergency meeting convened by its president Chingwang Konyak where it was resolved to ask the State Government and the investigating agencies to take urgent steps in identifying these perpetrator(s) and arrest them immediately to ensure that justice is delivered without any delay.
In a press statement, the NDPP media and communication committee, while condemning the ‘cowardly and dastardly act’ of the miscreant(s), also urged upon the State Government to provide adequate security cover to Abu Metha, his immediate family members and his residences.
In a separate statement, the NDPP Central Youth Organization condemned in the strongest term, the “dubious intend of the perpetrators to cause grievous harm upon Abu Metha, a tall public leader who has contributed so much to the Nagas.”
The Chiecha Kuda Union, Dimapur while condemning the incident said it was “treating this incident as a matter of life and death and has vowed to be deal with it in all severity.” The Union also urged upon the law enforcing authorities to leave no stone unturned and bring the perpetrator(s) to book as per the law of the land.
Condemning the incident in the highest term, the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) said firing at somebody’s residence is an act of attempted murder in Naga culture. It stated that the motive of this horrendous act is to create terror in the Naga society and therefore should be dealt with utmost seriousness.
By any means, these trigger happy perpetrators of this diabolical act should be tracked down, AYO stated, adding, “Our society has moved beyond senseless threats and intimidations.”
The AYO has urged the state government to leave no stone unturned in identifying the culprits and punish them as per the law of the land.
Police constitute SIT
In connection to the June 5 night incident where unidentified miscreant (s) fired at the residence of NDPP secretary general at Sovima, the Dimapur police informed that a case was registered at the Chumoükedima Police Station. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a DCP rank officer has also been constituted to probe the incident. As per the police, several expended 7.62mm shells were found at the site, while bullets marks were also found on the entrance gate to the residence. “It is too early to attribute a motive, investigation is on,” one police officer said.
