Nagaland: CNCCI demands NIA probe into Jan 19 kidnapping case

Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) has demanded that the alleged kidnapping and torture (on January 19) of a prominent businessman, Kiyeto Zhimo, be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a fair, impartial, and swift investigation into what it described as a wider network involved in kidnapping and extortion in the state.
In a press statement, CNCCI said the incident was a matter of grave concern and required immediate action, not mere condemnation or symbolic statements. The chamber expressed shock over what it termed continued inaction of the police, despite the victim, reportedly having stated on a local news channel that he had filed multiple FIRs at different police stations in the past. It said failure to act on such serious complaints sent a dangerous message that criminals could operate with impunity and reflected a breakdown of trust in the law enforcement system.
CNCCI also expressed alarm over what it described as attempts to downplay or mischaracterize the incident. CNCCI said it was difficult to understand how an incident involving forcible breaking of a vehicle window, physical assault, abduction, blindfolding, and sustained physical and mental torture was not being openly acknowledged as kidnapping and extortion. It maintained that these were deliberate and violent acts clearly intended to instill fear, and said no explanation or justification could convince the public otherwise.
The chamber reiterated that kidnapping and extortion had nothing to do with the Naga national struggle, terming such acts “anti-Naga and anti-people,” undermining the values, principles and sacrifices associated with the Naga cause.
CNCCI stated that what was being witnessed was not political activity but criminal intimidation and illegal collection of “hafta” (money) by groups operating under the guise of ideology. It said such actions tarnish the image of the Naga people and erode public confidence.
CNCCI also stated that the business community of Nagaland should not be treated as “livestock” to be picked up, tortured, or intimidated at the whim of any group or individual. It said business owners were among the most respected citizens of the state, contributing significantly to state revenue, sustaining the economy, and having long served as an important backbone of the Naga national movement.
The chamber further issued a strong message to the state government and all Naga Political Groups (NPGs), stating that the business community could no longer remain silent in the face of continued kidnapping, extortion, and intimidation.
It warned that if such activities were not stopped immediately and decisively, CNCCI would mobilise the business community across Nagaland to stand united in defence of their dignity, security, and collective rights.