CCC slams vigilantism, says no group above law
DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (NPN): Churches Colony Council (CCC) has taken serious note of the rejoinder issued by Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) regarding the recent forceful closure of a business establishment within Churches Colony.
In a statement, the council said it fully recognized and respected the importance of safeguarding indigenous rights and addressing concerns relating to fraudulent indigenous certification, unlawful land procurement, business malpractice and public exploitation.
However, CCC accused DNSU of deliberately attempting to shift focus away from the central issue raised by the council– “the dangerous normalization of unilateral enforcement, coercive action, intimidation and forceful closure of establishments by organizations that possess no lawful enforcement authority.”
CCC clarified that the issue was never about whether concerns could be raised, but whether any organization could assume powers of investigation, adjudication and enforcement outside the framework of law. It maintained that public legitimacy could not substitute legal authority and cautioned that if organizations/pressure groups independently decided which establishments to enter or shut down based on their own assessment, “the very foundation of public order and lawful governance” would collapse.
“The rule of law exists precisely to prevent selective, emotional and unilateral enforcement,” CCC stated.
Referring to DNSU’s rejoinder, CCC said portraying criticism of its methods as opposition to indigenous interests was “misleading and irresponsible.” It clarified that questioning the manner in which actions were carried out did not amount to defending alleged irregularities. The council categorically clarified that it neither defended nor intended to defend any individual, business establishment or alleged malpractice.
CCC further stated that if violations existed, competent authorities should investigate and act strictly according to law. It also pointed out that the administration had recently demonstrated that grievances relating to indigenous certificate issues could be addressed through lawful channels. It pointed out that the widely discussed issue of indigenous certificate involving Nirmal Jain, ultimately received administrative attention and official action through lawful channels. This, CCC said, only reinforces their stand that lawful mechanism remains functional and relevant when matters are pursued responsibly within the framework of law.
The council said attempts to justify forceful actions on the basis of public sentiment or moral conviction set a dangerous precedent and should not be normalized.
CCC also described as “highly regrettable” remarks in DNSU’s rejoinder suggesting that organizations questioning such actions were “shielding malpractice” or “interfering for publicity.”
Reiterating its stand, the council maintained that genuine indigenous concerns deserved serious attention and lawful investigation, but emphasized that no organization, irrespective of its popularity or intent, was above due process and the rule of law. It further asserted that forceful closure of establishments, intimidation and unilateral enforcement actions were unlawful and unacceptable.
The council also pointed out that public support for a cause did not confer legal authority to enforce punitive action, adding that peace, order and justice could only be sustained when all sections of society operated within established legal and constitutional boundaries.
The council urged all organizations and civil society bodies to exercise restraint, responsibility and institutional maturity so that legitimate causes were not weakened by unlawful methods or confrontational conduct affecting public order and social harmony.
CCC reaffirmed its commitment to protection of indigenous rights, lawful governance, peaceful coexistence and maintenance of public order within its jurisdiction.
Shop closure linked to indigenous issue: DNSU
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 12 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on Tuesday once again clarified its stand on the recent closure of a shop at Churches Colony, maintaining that the action was linked to “non-Naga Indigenous” status issues and not solely related to Maximum Retail Price (MRP) violations.
Addressing the media, DNSU general secretary Michael Kath said the matter had been ongoing for nearly two years and was not an abrupt action.“This is not an MRP issue. It is a Non-Naga Indigenous issue, somehow related to the case of Nirmal Jain, whose Non-Naga Indigenous certificate was cancelled,” he said. Kath alleged that DNSU had repeatedly called the owners, Girdharilal Sharma and Sanjay Sharma, to the union office since last year, but they failed to appear. “If someone illegally procures documents in Nagaland and forcefully snatches away our Naga rights and local rights, DNSU will never stay silent,” he said, adding that the union was compelled to act due to non-cvooperation.
He also alleged that during inspection of the shop, DNSU found MRP-related discrepancies and questioned why concerns over inflated prices, GST practices and alleged exploitation of consumers were being ignored.
“We believe any person or organisation speaking publicly should first verify the facts instead of spreading misinformation,” Kath added.
DNSU president Hinoto P. Aomi reiterated that the issue involving Girdharilal Sharma and his associates was “never an MRP issue.”
He alleged that some individuals had purchased land without indigenous status and claimed DNSU faced pressure, threats and attempts to influence the union after pursuing the matter.
“We locked the place because this was an indigenous issue. We did not do anything over MRP,” he said.
Denying allegations of extortion, Hinoto said DNSU had not demanded money from anyone.
“They are now saying we are trying to eat Girdharilal’s money. It is a lie,” he said.
He also raised allegations regarding GST receipts, fake cash memos and pricing practices, stating that DNSU intended to create public awareness on such matters.
On police and Naga Council Dimapur’s involvement, Hinoto said DNSU initially refused to hand over the keys after police intervention as no FIR had reportedly been lodged. He said the keys were later handed over to Naga Council Dimapur after discussions and assurances that pending issues would be settled amicably.
Reading out a statement signed in the presence of Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Hinoto said the concerned parties had agreed to cooperate with DNSU and resolve pending issues at the earliest.
He further claimed that several indigenous certificates in the state were already under scrutiny and cancellations were taking place. According to him, such cases generally required verification through RTI applications and land patta verification.
“The outsiders who are doing illegal work need to answer for this. We did not do this for fun. Our issue was focused on the indigenous aspect,” he said.
Hinoto urged the authorities to take action, stating that the district administration and police were already aware of the matter.
DNSU speaker Tesiding Newmai said the union’s second assembly held last year had officially endorsed the executive council to take up issues concerning Non-Naga Indigenous certificates.
Education secretary Kevin Gonmei said the core issue was being overshadowed by debates surrounding MRP violations.
“Imagine a house is burning while people are arguing about the colour of the walls. The real issue is being ignored,” he said.
Kevin maintained that DNSU was being accused and defamed despite acting out of responsibility and after giving the concerned individuals sufficient time for dialogue and resolution.
Finance secretary Kezevi Natso claimed DNSU had been “crucified” by various sections of society without proper verification of facts.
“If we have done something illegal, the owner has every right to file an FIR or have us arrested. However, we have not received any complaint apart from condemnations,” he stated.
Kezevi said DNSU functioned under the trust and mandate of different tribal bodies and would continue pursuing its objectives despite criticism.