Dimapur, March 27 (MExN): More condemnations against the killings at Lamhainamdi village on March 22 poured in on Saturday from several organisations across the state.
ASUD: In a press release, the Ao Students' Union Dimapur expressed grief and stated that, “Such act of barbarism and execution meted out by the armed miscreants against unarmed innocent civilians cannot be tolerated at all cost.” It urged the concerned department/ authority to leave no stone unturned in identifying and booking the culprit(s) at the earliest and award befitting punishment as per the provision of the law. The ASUD also requested the whole Naga community “not to make this a communal issue for it will only worsen the situation but to have faith in the law,” while extending condolences to the bereaved family.
CRF: The Civil Rights Forum stated that the killings are a “direct and intentional violation of human rights” which must not go unpunished. It said that human rights are made to safeguard the rights of every individual and life of a human person and called on all civic citizens of the state to voice out against all forms of perpetration and corruption.
The CRF also pointed out that the Government has to exercise its authority to safeguard the customary rights and interest of every Naga tribe and urged government to ramp up its measures against the perpetrators, exercise its authority to book the culprits and deliver justice to the deserving in due time. “Failing which the Forum shall be compelled to pursue public interest litigation which the Government and the perpetrators will be implied legally,” the CRF stated.
It also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and relatives and the people of Peren district.
CSU: The Chakhesang Students’ Union strongly condemned the cold-blooded killings and stated that “no legitimate cause can ever be achieved by acts of violence and all should shun such ruthless acts.” It also appealed to all sections of Naga society to rise above hatred and fratricidal killings and instead seek for permanent peace and unity.
The CSU urged the law implementing agencies, government of the day and all right thinking citizens to stand against the crime and ensure timely justice by bringing the culprits to book and award befitting punishment. It also expressed sincere condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace.
KU: The Konyak Union while condemning that killing stated that the incident has disturbed the peaceful co-existence and harmony of the entire Naga community. “When all the Nagas are yearning for peace and stability, such incidence and conflicts within the tribes or communities reflects negative image, mindset and concepts of Nagas to the outside world,” it said in a statement on Saturday.
Stating that justice should be delivered, the KU urged the law enforcing forces and agencies to investigate and book the culprits according to the rule of law. It also conveyed deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family members.
LHD: “The killing of three innocent people is shocking and heinous act of violence that demands accountability as there can be no public safety unless the lives of innocent citizens are safe,” the Lotha Hoho Dimapur stated as it condemned the cowardly and inhuman killings. It called on the law enforcing authorities to conduct proper investigation into the killing and bring those responsible to justice, while adding that, “This heinous act once again underscores the urgent need for strong resolution to reject all acts of terrorism and to unite in the face of this shared and growing threat.”
The LHD shared condolences and sympathy with the bereaved families and urged the Government to enforce effective legislation and other restrictive measures with sincere commitment to ensure protection of democratic values and safety of the citizens.
BJP: Condemning the incident, the State BJP Nagaland conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. While conflicts and disputes are prevalent in every society, the matter in question can be resolved through other peaceful means instead of resorting to violence and use of gun culture, the party stated in a press release.
It also appealed to all citizens of the State to “maintain the spirit of peaceful co-existence and restrain from flaring up the issue as the State Government is vigilant, and taking all possible measures to maintain law and order in the conflict areas.”
ZWSS: The Zeliangrong Welfare Society, Shillong (ZWSS) vehemently condemned the brutal murder and urged the concerned established authority to immediately investigate with fairness and objectivity and bring the killers to justice in accordance with the law of the land. The punishment must be exemplary, it added.
The ZWSS meanwhile extended deepest condolences to the families who are mourning the loss of their loved ones while expressing solidarity with them and those who stand and fight for justice and peace.
NKK: The Nzaulun Kebaikam Kelung (NKK) condemned the incident and offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. It also appealed the state government and its law enforcement agencies to arrest the culprits at the earliest and award befitting punishment.
AYO: The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) while condemning the incident state that while disputes and altercations exists between all sections of people, “the inhumane and diabolical approach chosen by the merciless killers is outrightly unacceptable and calls for immediate retribution from the law enforcers.”
The AYO claimed that as per information and gathered evidences, “arms and weapons meant for the cause of Naga national cause” were used in the incident, “which throws aspersions on the principles and stand of the group and their commitment to the Naga struggle itself.” While the protracted Naga movement is finally at a crucial stage of settlement, this horrific incident has revealed the true colour of those handful of goons with their sinister agenda to further their own selfish motives using weapons procured from the blood and sweat of Naga people, the AYO statement read.
It appealed to the Naga people to be wary and not nurture such evil entities who are using violence and intimidation for their personal gain while creating irreparable divisions within the Naga family. It must be ensured that the entire Naga people shut their doors on these evil people, the AYO asserted.
Further, the AYO said it was “unfortunate that the term ‘no man's land’ is being used conveniently to justify the disputation and the killings of innocents.” It maintained that all the Naga territories or lands have a legitimate and ancestral owner and likewise, “the Zeliang community is the sole ancestral owner of Peren district, and they have shared ancestral and traditional boundary with the Angamis since time immemorial.”
“No community have the ancestral right over Lamhainamdi other than the Zeliang community, and AYO acknowledges this to be true,” it maintained.
AYO therefore appealed to the government and its machineries to take all necessary measures in ensuring justice and urged the law enforcing agencies to investigate the heinous crimes and apprehend the anti-social elements at the earliest.
It also conveyed solidarity to the bereaved members and the entire Zeliang community and assured its fullest cooperation and assistance as and when necessary.
