Dimapur, August 5 (MExN): The Naga Elders' Forum Shillong (NEFS), Nerhema Village Council (NVC), and Pochury Students' Union (PSU) today joined the public outcry over the ‘capital punishment’ threat allegedly issued by the NSCN-K (Khango) against K Rülho, proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho.
NEFS:
The NEFS, representing the Nagas beyond borders, stated that it stands firm and outrightly condemns the “act of extortion, death threat, and issuance of capital punishment.”
In a press release from its President Lhouvirielie Usou and General Secretary Ngaraipam Mahongnao, the Shillong-based NEFS expressed its solidarity and support for Rülho and the entire Naga civil society on this matter.
“The Nagas are tired of extortion, death threats, and harassment meted out to our own kind that has shaken the social and national fabrics of Naga society,” it asserted, adding that the Nagas cannot afford to pull each other down, demoralising the hard-working generation.
Outrightly condemning the unbecoming behaviour, the NEFS urged the NSCN-K (Khango) to revoke the issuance of capital punishment at the earliest to avoid further deterioration and division of the society.
NVC:
The NVC expressed absolute outrage at what it termed the immature act of NSCN-K (Khango) in issuing the “death penalty,” which is reserved specifically for treason and other heinous crimes against humanity. It further asserted that the act itself showcases the group's motives and called it “nothing but a dastardly act of dacoity and extortion and in no way resembles the principles and sanctity of the National Movement.”
Declaring Rülho a son of the soil, the NVC stated that it is the bounden duty of the Village Council to protect its bonafide members and safeguard its interests. Hence, the ‘threat of death penalty’ against our bonafide member is taken very seriously by the NVC, it added.
The Council also declared that customary law shall be “delivered firmly and swiftly to the Khango group if any undesirable acts happen to Rülho, his kith and kin, or any native members of Nerhema.” The NVC also questioned what it termed the “constant and colossal failure” of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFMG/CFSB) to enforce ceasefire ground rules and said that it remained “tactically dormant even though unwanted situations are flaring up under their very nose.”
The CFMG/CFSB need to act and rein in the defaulter groups within the laid down rules, added a press release from NVC Chairman Vingutuo Rutsa and General Secretary Chadiselie Chadi.
The NVC also stated that it fully endorses the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) directives in toto and directed all able-bodied native youth to work under the command of AYO until an amicable settlement is achieved.
PSU:
The office of the Pochury Students' Union (PSU) also expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation involving Rülho, who is currently undertaking road construction under Meluri Sub-Division.
Accordingly, it condemned the recent capital punishment as well as the immediate cessation of works issued by the NSCN-K (Khango).
“The actions based on forceful collection and extortion from our own Naga brothers are unjustifiable and unacceptable. These actions erode the rule of law and instill a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity among the citizens,” the PSU stated.
Stating that the headquarters of Pochury, Meluri, serves as the commercial hub for the Pochury area, providing essential commodities, medical facilities, and other goods to all villages within the Meluri Sub-Division, the union asserted that the “progress and well-being of our community should not be held hostage by such coercive tactics.”
“We appeal to the law enforcement agencies to intervene promptly to ensure the safety of Rülho and all those involved in developmental projects,” stated a press release issued by PSU President Rongley Leyri and General Secretary Sasietho.
To this end, it stressed that it is imperative to foster an environment of cooperation and mutual respect to achieve shared goals, and the PSU stands firm in its commitment to uphold justice, peace, and the rights of the Pochury community and would not remain idle to any actions that threaten the stability and development of our region.
“We strongly oppose any actions or external interference that impede or halt developmental progress in our region,” it added.
The PSU also conveyed its solidarity with the AYO in the resolute commitment to justice and peace. It also appealed to community and civil society organisations to unite in rejecting these unlawful demands and to support initiatives that promote peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the AYO has scheduled a public rally in Kohima on August 6 to oppose "Unabated Illegal Taxations, Harassments, Intimidations, and Death Threats to Common People."
