Nagaland: PAPO condemns December 30 incident

Phokhungri Area Public Organisation (PAPO) has strongly and unequivocally condemned what it termed as “barbaric, uncivilized, and inhuman” incident that occurred on the night of December 30, around 7:30 pm, between Phokhungri Town and Avakhung Village.
A press release by PAPO stated that as per reliable, one Müsumi, holding the rank of Tatar and belonging to NSCN (R) Wanting Group, without any provocation or reason, manhandled and brutally assaulted two dumper drivers and one excavator operator engaged under Package–III of the two-lane road construction project, being executed by Bharat Construction Company Ltd, whereby, during the assault, one of the dumper driver sustained serious injuries, and the accused further threatened victims at gunpoint using his pistol, thereby creating fear, panic, and insecurity in the area.
Upon receiving information of the incident, local youths rushed to the spot, however, the accused had already fled from the scene by then.
PAPO stated that such act has no place in a civilized and peaceful society, adding that such unlawful actions not only endanger innocent lives but also hamper developmental activities and disturb public harmony and peace.
PAPO further demanded the concerned authorities to immediately apprehend the culprit and award exemplary punishment strictly in accordance with the law.
It also called for stringent disciplinary action, including immediate discharge from service, as he has already been ex-communicated from his native village, Shera, due to his repeated bad behaviour and misconduct. “Individuals of such character should not be inducted or retained as national workers under any circumstances”, the release stated.
PAPO warned that failing decisive and timely action, the organization would be compelled to initiate non-cooperation movement against the NSCN (R) Wanting Group, holding them morally responsible for the actions of their member.
PAPO further expressed solidarity with the victims and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, rule of law, and protection of all civilians and workers within its jurisdiction.