NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) tenders public apology

Discharges cadres in response to Western Sumi orgs ultimatum

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | January 23

Under fire from civil society organisations, the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato), on January 23, tendered a public apology to the Western Sumi frontal organisations regarding the alleged abduction and physical assault of a businessman from the community– Kiyeto Zhimomi on January 19. The apology followed an ultimatum from the Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, and Western Sumi Youth Front. 

The Naga Political Group’s MIP Kilonser Hokashe Muru tendered the apology through a press conference at its Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) located in Thilixu village. For the second day, security forces, including the state police and Assam Rifles cordoned off the CFSB office. 

Muru announced that his government had conducted an inquiry into the incident. Based on the findings, the two main accused, who were identified in the police FIR and the victim's statement, have been given a “forced discharge” from service. The discharged personnel included Finance Secretary, Hekhuyi Kiba and Joint Secretary, Vicca Chophy. Their discharge order was issued on January 23. 

Muru noted that the disciplinary action aligns with the organisations' demands and the provisions of the party discipline and constitution.

Addressing the allegation regarding a negotiated settlement of Rs 30 lakhs, Muru stated that the group regrets the comments made during a previous media briefing on January 21. He claimed the earlier statement regarding the negotiation was "misinterpreted" and officially retracted it.

Regarding the demand to shift the CFSB office from Thilixu village, the NPG requested the Sumi frontal organisations to reconsider. Muru cited technical reasons, the presence of office property, and the absence of designated camps for its personnel in the Dimapur area. He stated that the office was established following verification and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the village, in coordination with the Government of India.

According to him, relocating the office involves a step-by-step process, requiring official discussion through proper channels with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ceasefire Monitoring Group Chairperson. He declined to take queries.

Meanwhile, later in the evening, news emerged that three other members of their group, involved in the alleged abduction, were handed over to the police. They were identified only as Lovito, Hukhevi and Viniho. 

The status or whereabouts of the other two accused– Kiba and Chophy, remained unknown.