Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) and its federating tribal bodies including Konyak Union (KU) have vehemently condemned the killing of Khampei Opeiham, kilonser NSCN (I-M), by unknown assailants at Tizit town on February 21, 2024.
ENPO through its media cell asserted that the incident was “totally contrary” to the December 18, 2007 Tuensang Summit Resolution, which declared that “there should be no killings, bloodshed or any form of violence within ENPO jurisdiction”.
ENPO reminded that the resolution was based on popular public prayer and desire for peace and tranquillity within ENPO jurisdiction following years of hardships and violence experienced by the people of the region.
ENPO advocated that any individual or group should try to resolve any differences through peaceful means. However, ENPO described as “very unfortunate” that such killing was taking place when people were yearning for peace.
ENPO, on behalf of the people of Eastern Nagaland, has requested everyone “to abjure any violence or an activity” that was hampering the extant peaceful atmosphere. ENPO, therefore, reminded all responsible to honour the sentiments of public for peace and tranquillity in the region.
KU: Konyak Union (KU) through its president Tingthok Konyak and press & media secretary Nokzei P Konyak also vehemently condemned what it called the “heinous and brutal killing” late Khampei Opeihum, NSCN (I-M) kilonser by unidentified assailants at Tizit town on February 21, 2024.
KU asserted that “such a cold-blooded murder” was not only condemnable but also detrimental to the peace and security of the people. KU also stated that February 21 killing blatantly violated the ENPO’s December 18, 2007 Tuensang Summit Resolution, which “unequivocally” prohibited any form of bloodshed in the ENPO region.
KU has called upon the group or party “involved in this cowardly act” to come forward and justify the reasons for the killing of late Khampei Opeihum. kilonser NSCN (I-M).
Apex Konyak tribal body said it “this cowardly killing” occurred at a time when people were yearning for peace and prosperity. “Violence has never solved any problem and will never do so,” KU said and maintained that the patience of the people was wearing thin, adding “enough is enough.”
Further, KU asserted that any act of killing, regardless of the reason, was “senseless and madness” when there were peaceful means to resolve any issues.
“We are deeply pained and hurt by this brazen act of killing without any regard for humanity and also to the Civil Society Organization (CSO) resolution that desires peace and tranquillity,” KU stated.
KU said that as guardians of its people it has always advocated for peace and the peaceful resolution of differences and issues as violence did not bring any sense or solution to the problem.
KU said it was “a worrying incident” as a person of such high affiliation, Kilonser of a reputed group such as NSCN (I-M), could easily be killed in a public space with family.
KU has urged the law enforcement agencies to investigate the killing without delay and ensure that justice was brought to the victim’s family at the earliest. The union also affirmed its solidarity with the bereaved family and reiterated its commitment to upholding peace and harmony in the region.