Hundreds of members from various Lotha civil society organisations (CSOs) from Wokha and Dimapur organised public protest rally at Yanpha Bazar junction, Ralan area on Thursday against the physical assault and attempted murder of Yanpha Baptist Church (YBC) pastor, Rhanlamo Kikon by one Akhekivi, a cadre of NSCN (Khango), who has now been terminated from active national service of the Naga army by the group.
Holding placards some of which read “Book the culprit Akhekhevi under non-bailable section of law”, “enforce ceasefire ground rules efficiently and effectively” “Enough is Enough: Stop harassing innocent public in the name of freedom” etc., the participates of the rally in their traditional attire walked from Yanpha Bazar Junction to SDO office Ralan, and submitted a memorandum to DC Niuland through SDO Ralan by Yanpha Village Council (YVC) on behalf of the Lotha community.
YVC demanded that the accused be charged under Section 109, 110 (1) (2), 116, 117,118 (1) (2), 129, 130 BNS; Section 25 of the Arms Act; under 7&8 NSR and NSA. Describing the act of the accused as “shameful” and “unacceptable”, the YVC said the accused deserved to be awarded with strictest punishment as his action caused not only grievous physical and mental injuries but also committed a “heinous crime” against the entire society at large.
According to YVC, CCTV footage of the incident showed the accused made a deliberate attempt on the lift of the pastor and in the process the victim sustained grievous physical injuries.
The memorandum also demanded speedy and unbiased investigation and justice be delivered to the victim and his family. The organisation cautioned that failing to meet their demands, they would resort to other democratic means and measures for the fulfilment of their demands.
Earlier, speaking at the rally, advisor of Ralan Area Lotha Hoho, Dr. Elithung Lotha recalled the incident that took place on August 24 at Naukhuti town. Dr. Elithung appreciated the two of the accused’s friends, whose intervention “prevented from killing one its members”.
“Nagas are in need of those two friends who tried to save life not like Akhekivi:” he said.
Lotha Hoho Dimapur (LHD) chairman, Thungchanthung Murry, who also spoke on behalf of Lotha Hoho and LHD, appreciated the police and district administration for arresting the culprit. However, he reiterated the demand of Lotha Hoho that the accused be charged under NSA.
He also reminded all the Naga political groups to desist from such abhorrent act. In the event of such occurrences against any Lotha individual in the future, he said the Lotha community would immediately cease cooperation to all such organization/s.
Other speakers included Lotha Students Union president, Lirhonthung E Kithan; Ralan Area Students Union, Zubenthung Humtsoe; Yanpha Village Council, GB Tsenthungo Kithan; Ralan Area Baptist Churches Association, Mhonyamo Humtsoe; Dimapur Lotha Youth Oganisation vice president, Ajanthung Ovung and Yanhmon Area Public Organisation, Likhao Khenjung. All the speakers demanded action against the accused and sought the support of everyone.
Public rally in Wokha on Sep 2
Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) under the aegis of Lotha Hoho would hold a public rally at Wokha Town, Police Point on September 2, 2024, 10am against the brutal physical assault and attempt to murder of Yanpha Baptist Church (YBC) pastor Rhanlamo Kikon, unabated illegal taxations, harassments, intimidation and death threat to common people.
In a press release, LYH president Limhathung N Yanthan and finance secretary C Zubemo Tungoe said that “this is call for action a movement against any anti-social elements and all forms and contents.”
LYH has, therefore, requested the general public of Wokha Town, 10 members each from every village council under Wokha district, Wokha town colony council members, every colony Eloe Hoho members, every colony youth organization members, inter denomination church organization, business community, student community under Wokha district to attend the rally in traditional attire.
Further, LYH has requested the travellers passing Wokha town to cooperate and bear the inconvenience during the public rally.
DLYO extends solidarity to pastor: Dimapur Lotha Youth Organisation (DLYO) on August 27, 2024 visited the pastor of Yanpha Baptist Church, who was assaulted by one Akhekavi, and extended solidarity.
In a statement, DLYO general secretary strongly condemned the “unprovoked attack” on the pastor and urged the competent authority to award befitting punishment to perpetrator as per the law.
DLYO said that “such barbaric act of antagonistic elements” cannot be accepted as it crossed all limits of human tolerance.
Therefore, DLYO has urged the investigating agency and the government to effectively enforce a stringent policy to curb such “potential social menace.”
The youth body also lauded the swift action by the law enforcement authority in apprehending the accused. It demanded that the accused should be booked under NSA and other relevant section.
Failure to meet its demands, DLYO said it would take appropriate necessary steps till justice was delivered.