DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): Several organisations have come forward condemning the January 19 abduction of on one Kiyeto Zhimomi.
The Niuland District GBs’ Association expressed support to the ultimatum issued by the Western Sümi Hoho, Western Sümi Kukami Hoho and Western Sümi Youth Front in connection with the incident. The association condemned the incident and asserted that “such acts are not only criminal in nature but also constitute a direct attack on the dignity, authority, and safety of traditional village institutions and leaders who serve the people at the grassroots level.”
It placed on record “its total intolerance and zero acceptance of the brutal beating and humiliation of one of our member Village Chiefs.” It added that “acts of violence against Kukami (GBs) and village authorities severely undermine social harmony, peace, and the customary governance system that has upheld our society for generations.”
The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) expressed condemnation of the abduction saying that “this act of violence is despicable, barbaric, lawless and a direct assault on the conscience of Naga society.”
“At a time when all Naga people earnestly long for lasting peace, and when tireless efforts are being made by Naga civil societies to foster reconciliation and a permanent peaceful environment, such reprehensible acts negate the very core values of our shared Naga tradition. The use of threats, intimidation, abduction, and physical violence have no place in Naga culture and are alien to our customary values,” it added.
The WCH lauded the timely and coordinated efforts of the district administration, police force, and civil society organizations in securing the rescue of the victim. It demanded an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into this grievous incident.
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) said it “strongly condemns such acts,” stating that “such behavior is entirely unacceptable in a civilized society.” It said that as “the people of Nagaland strive to maintain peace and harmony within the state,” the organisation asserted that “these types of actions are intolerable.”
It further appealed to the Ceasefire Monitoring Board “to strictly implement the ground rules of Ceasefire in the state.” The organisation also called upon law enforcement agencies “to deliver justice swiftly and apprehend the culprits responsible for this heinous act.”
CNCCI calls for NIA investigation
The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) has meanwhile said that it is disturbed by the “continued inaction of the police, despite the victim, Kiyeto Zhimo, having publicly stated on a local news channel that he has repeatedly filed multiple FIRs in different police stations in the past.”
“When such serious complaints fail to result in timely action, it sends a dangerous message that criminals can operate with impunity. This reflects a serious breakdown of trust in the law-enforcement system and raises troubling questions about accountability,” a press release from the CNCCI stated.
It also questioned “how an act involving forcible breaking of a vehicle window, physical assault, abduction, blindfolding, and sustained physical and mental torture is not being openly acknowledged as kidnapping and extortion.” “These are not isolated or accidental acts; they are deliberate, violent, and clearly intended to instill fear. No explanation, justification, or narrative can convince the public otherwise,” it added.
The CNCCI said what is being witnessed today is not political activity, but “criminal intimidation and the collection of “hafta” by gangs hiding behind ideology. These actions tarnish the image of the Naga people and erode public confidence.”
In light of what it termed as the “failure of the Nagaland Police to act despite repeated complaints,” the CNCCI demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) “so that the entire network involved in kidnapping and extortion in Nagaland can be exposed and dealt with in a fair, impartial, and swift manner.”
It further said that the business community cannot and will not remain silent in the face of continued kidnapping, extortion, and intimidation.
