Chukitong Range Public Organization (CRPO), apex body of seven villages under Chukitong administrative circle/range, under Wokha district, in a press release vehemently condemned December 27 incident that occurred along National Highway (NH)-61.
In a statement, CPRO chairman, E. Lotha and secretary Abemo Lotha alleged that the AR official had “indiscriminately assaulted, threatened and intimidated four hapless and peaceful citizens of Chukitong including a student leader, VDB secretary of Chukitonga and verbal abuse of a woman on December 27 evening.
CPRO said following the meeting of Chukitong Range held on December 28, the house brought to light the sequence of incident. CPRO said on December 27 evening, youth volunteer spotted the post commander along with one local male and two females along NH-61 “having an alcohol-induced dancing party with blaring music in the vicinity of Chukitong at around 8 p.m.” It said since such immoral activities were in violation of the area’s social code of conduct with strict penalty involved, the volunteers queried the night revelers on the purpose of their activity.
CPRO alleged that the AR official in civvies, bragged and responded saying “he could do anything he wanted as he was the area’s sole authority on law and order”.
However, CPRO alleged that “the official on the pretext of parking his official vehicle (MN-01 W 7460), sped away towards the 17 AR Post Chukitong and returned fully dressed and with a truckload of his jawans”. After the youth volunteers left the spot, CPRO alleged that the official began to randomly assault hapless and peaceful citizens. The VDB secretary was accosted and beaten black and blue while closing the gate of his residence at around 9 p.m., CPRO stated. The VDB secretary’s elder brother, upon hearing the noise came out and was also assaulted, it added.
While in search of the youth volunteers along NH-61, CPRO said that the official assaulted an ex-army man. Later, CPRO alleged that the official kicked open the door of Lotha Students’ Union general secretary and manhandled and verbally abused his sister. CPRO said that the official also warned saying: “You play smart; I’ll always be following behind you.”
Not content with that, he also subjected the student leader’s elder sister to choicest of verbal abuses.
CPRO alleged that the official “also threatened the citizens of Chukitong saying he would destroy Chukitong within three days using arms”.
In this regard, CRPO said a representation to DC Wokha, seeking immediate intervention to protect the citizens of Chukitong Range against such extra-judicial authorities and high-handed officials. The DC was also urged to urgently take up the matter with the proper authorities. CPRO said that the house made a three-point resolution which was also submitted to the DC— “immediate disciplinary action against the 17 AR post commander of Chukitong “for acting as an extra-judicial authority, indiscriminate perpetration of violence against hapless and peaceful citizens without rhyme or reason, verbally abusing a woman, threatening and intimidating peaceful citizens, and for disturbing and violating the area’s social code of conduct”.
Withdrawal of the 17 AR post saying “it has failed to protect the area’s citizens from such arbitrary acts of high-handed officials, and so that personnel from the Post would not take law into their own hands in future, and for losing the confidence and goodwill of the area.” To punish the three civilians as per law of the land for disturbing and violating the social code of conduct and harmony of Chukitong area.
AR orders inquiry
PRO IGAR (N) in a press note informed that an inquiry into December 27 incident has been ordered by the AR authorities adding that any lapse found to have been committed by any AR official would be dealt with severely.
PRO IGAR (N) said, prima facie, the issue appears to be “a case of misunderstanding between an AR official and local village youth, resulting in an argument and leading to the present situation”. It said “necessary interaction” was being carried out with the village council and civil administration to resolve the issue. PRO further said AR was fully committed to upholding and respecting the local customs and traditions, and is “ever thankful” to the village council and civil administration for all the assistance being provided to the AR post at Chukitong.