WSKH, WSYF secured victim’s release: NATT

The Nagaland Arecanut Traders and Transport (NATT) has issued a clarification acknowledging home minister Y. Patton for promptly condemning the alleged abduction and violence committed against businessman and Head GB of Vikuto village, Kiyeto Zhimomi, while also highlighting the role played by civil society organisations (WSYF and WSKH) in securing his release.
In a statement, NATT said the victim was allegedly abducted and assaulted by “rouge members” of NSCN (Khango-Hokato Vusshe) under the command of its defence kilonser Hukhevi. According to NATT, the victim was able to clearly identify those involved, including .lt. col.’ Isak Rochill, finance secretary Hekhuyi Kiba alias H. Kiba and member Avika Chophy alias Vika, along with their accomplices, who allegedly arrived in three vehicles.
NATT stated that a press release issued from the media cell of the deputy chief minister’s office had inadvertently failed to mention the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) and Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH), which it said played a pivotal role in rescuing the victim.
The traders’ body said it was necessary to correct the factual sequence of events and give due credit to the two civil society organisations.
According to NATT, on the evening of January 19, immediately after news of the abduction of Kiyeto from Mishikito area came to light, members of NATT, along with family members and well-wishers, rushed to Diphupar police station, where an FIR was lodged the same evening detailing the incident. NATT maintained that it was only after the intervention and pressure exerted by WSYF and WSKH that the victim was released.
The organisation stated that WSYF subsequently took custody of the victim from the abductors and escorted him safely to his residence at around 2 am. Thereafter, police reportedly took the victim to District Hospital Dimapur for medical examination.
While appreciating the concern shown by the home minister and the role of Nagaland Police, NATT expressed concern that the alleged perpetrators were yet to be arrested. It stated that its sole demand was justice for the victim and appealed to the home minister to ensure an environment where the business community, irrespective of caste or status, could function without fear of threats, intimidation, extortion or abduction.