Dimapur, May 7 (MExN): Several student and youth organisations across Nagaland have condemned the alleged assault on Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) President and Western Naga Youth Front Advisor Wekupe Therie, demanding immediate arrest and strict legal action against all those involved.
In separate statements issued on May 7, the Western Chakhesang Students’ Union (WCSU), Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU), Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur (ZYOD), Ao Lanur Telongjem Chümoukedima (ALTC), Chakhesang Youth Organization Kohima (CYOK), and Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) condemned the May 2 incident at Naga United Village, Chümoukedima, where Therie was allegedly assaulted following a minor vehicular contact.
The WCSU described the incident as a “barbaric, violent, and utterly shocking assault,” alleging that Therie was “brutally and savagely beaten without the slightest provocation” and that his vehicle was deliberately damaged by a mob.
“It is extremely concerning that a minor and accidental vehicular contact escalated into a brutal attack by a large group of individuals. Such act of violence has no place in a civilized society and we will not tolerate this reign of terror,” the union stated.
The WCSU further said the incident was “a blatant assault on leadership, the rule of law and Naga Brotherhood,” and demanded an “immediate and thorough investigation” to ensure that the perpetrators are “identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay or prejudice.”
The CSU also “vehemently” condemned the assault, stating that “such cowardly acts of violence are utterly unacceptable and have no place in a civilized society.”
“The brutal attack is a serious threat to public peace and communal harmony. Resorting to violence and taking the law into one’s own hands only breeds fear, unrest, and instability within society,” the union stated while demanding an “immediate and impartial investigation.”
Meanwhile, the ZYOD termed the incident a “barbaric and premeditated assault” and “a clear and deliberate attempt to commit culpable homicide, if not attempted murder.”
According to the organisation, the incident reportedly began after “an inconsequential and accidental contact between side-view mirrors of two vehicles,” which allegedly escalated into violence despite “repeated appeals for peaceful resolution.”
The organisation alleged that around five assailants attacked Therie, causing “grievous injuries and extensive damage” to his vehicle.
“The assault, reportedly carried out using hard objects including glass vodka bottles, clearly attracts the provisions of serious penal offences, including but not limited to attempt to murder, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation, and mischief causing substantial damage to property,” the organisation stated.
“The degree of force employed and the nature of the attack leave no ambiguity as to the lethal intent of the perpetrators,” it added.
The ZYOD also expressed concern over the alleged conduct of one of the accused persons, who reportedly identified himself during the incident while issuing threats.
“Such brazen self identification coupled with intimidation, amounts to a direct challenge to the authority of the State and cannot be treated with leniency under any circumstances,” it stated.
The ALTC described the alleged assault and damage to Therie’s vehicle as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a civilized society.”
“Such cowardly acts of violence not only threaten the safety and dignity of individuals but also undermine communal harmony, peace, and the spirit of brotherhood among the Naga communities,” the organisation stated.
It appealed to the authorities to conduct a “fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation” and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
The CYOK also condemned the alleged assault, describing it as a “brutal and inhuman act of attempted murder.”
“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this barbaric act of violence which reflects a complete disregard for human life, dignity, and the rule of law,” the organisation stated, while demanding “immediate, decisive, and uncompromising action” against those involved.
Meanwhile, the CYF expressed concern that “two of the perpetrators were on bail for a similar case when the crime was committed,” and questioned “the safety of the citizens when criminals easily seem to get bail, and are left free to further commit crimes as they so wish.”
The front informed that it met the Commissioner of Police and other concerned officials on May 7 to express concern over the safety of citizens and community leaders in the state. According to the CYF, the police assured that the accused would be booked “under the highest sections of the law.”
The CYF also appreciated the police for “promptly arresting one of the perpetrators” and acknowledged the investigating agency for “swiftly conducting the investigation with sincerity.” However, it urged citizens to assist law enforcement agencies in tracing the remaining accused persons.
“The murder attempt on one of the unit member of the CYF is an attack on the entire Chakhesang youths, and the CYF shall not remain a spectator to the injustice,” the statement added.
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