Dimapur police Wednesday arrested three individuals in connection with the assault of four persons at Thahekhu village in the early hours of December 17, 2024.
According to Commissioner of Police Dimapur, K Sophie, the three arrested were reportedly members of Akato-led NSCN.
While the three suspects were in police custody, CP Dimapur informed that police were actively pursuing other absconding accused.
Condemnations
Several organisations have condemned the abduction at gunpoint and physical assault on four youth.
NEAN: Condemning the assault of the four youth, which included an employee of the National Health Mission, the National Health Mission Employees Association, Nagaland (NEAN) said the incident had shocked and appalled not only the family members but also the entire state.
In a statement, NEAN president Dr Thungjamo Ngullie and general secretary Kewetso Kenye urged all right-thinking citizens and organisations to strongly condemn such unwarranted crimes and prevent such incidents in the future.
They mentioned that such heinous crime and assault of innocent civilians in a civilised society by such self-declared national workers under the influence of alcohol and arms power was nothing but a cowardly act that had no place in modern times.
They appealed law enforcement agencies to immediately investigate the matter, and take appropriate action against all the perpetrators and book them under relevant sections of law. They also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, besides wishing them speedy recovery.
DAYO: The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) strongly condemned the incident of assault on four civilians, including an Ao youth, and demanded immediate clarification on whether this location guarded by armed guards served as a designated camp for any group under ceasefire agreement with the central government.
Questioning the status of the Akato group reportedly involved in this heinous act, the DAYO in a press release wanted to know whether these armed individuals were operating under a ceasefire agreement with the government, or rogue elements misusing the term national workers.
The organisation said this ambiguity threatened the peace and security of Dimapur’s citizens.
Wondering whether Dimapur was now subject to a parallel security framework, or whether there were shadow agencies operating in the city harassing citizens at gunpoint, the organisation declared that this was a dangerous precedent that could not be allowed to persist.
DAYO called for a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident, demanding that the culprits be booked under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure accountability and justice.
It asserted that the relentless harassment of citizens under the threat of firearms was unacceptable in a democratic society.
The Ao youth body said the neutrality and professionalism of Nagaland Police too would be put to test in this case as they also investigated their own personnel who had been allegedly compromised.
Stating that it anticipated a swift and logical conclusion to the probe under the able leadership of director general of police, the organisation maintained the incident was not just an attack on the victims, but an affront to the safety and dignity of all Dimapur residents.
DAYO also reminded the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFMG/CFSG) to make drastic amends in the existing ground rules as per the commitment made during the last consultative meeting.
Urging the authorities concerned to act decisively to prevent further erosion of public trust and to ensure that law-abiding citizens can live without fear of violence or intimidation, the DAYO declared that it stood united with the victims and would continue to advocate for justice and peace in Dimapur.
DRSU: Dimapur Rengma Students’ Union (DRSU) also strongly condemned the brutal assault of the youth “by criminal gangs masquerading as national workers”.
DRSU president Khiti Kath and general secretary Esther Khing in a press release stated that the victims included two youth from the Rengma community, both of whom were brothers, one of whom was a student and a bona fide member of the DRSU.
Claiming that the two brothers were assaulted without any rhyme or reason, they said their only fault being their good Samaritan attitude to help their friend (the other victim), who called the brothers to pick him up (and his partner) who were initially detained by the goons.
They claimed that the police knew where the residence was, for it was the father of the two brothers who led the police to this residence to rescue his sons in the early hours of December 17.
Requesting Dimapur Police not to succumb to political pressure in this case, the DRSU leaders reminded them that the state government through the Home department had clearly notified that perpetrators of all criminal activities in the state would be booked under NSA and incarcerated outside the state.
They hoped that this notification would be implemented in letter and in spirit.
They implored the Dimapur Police to arrest the criminals responsible for the assault without delay, stressing that the next 24 hours were going to be very crucial. If the arrests were not made within this timeframe, they said they would conclude that the police were under political pressure.
WSYF: Condemning the assault on the youth by individuals reportedly associated with a group identified as freedom fighters, the Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF) maintained that the appalling act of violence was not only unjust but also deeply antithetical to the ideals of justice, unity, and humanity championed by genuine freedom fighters.
WSYF in a press release mentioned that the principles of freedom fighters were rooted in the fight for equality, dignity, and the protection of human rights. However, it pointed out that acts of aggression, such as this assault, undermined these principles and sowed division, especially among the youth who were the future custodians of the nation.
Noting that the four youth, including students, were confronted by a group known to operate in the shadows, perpetrating violence and instilling fear in the society, the front declared that such blatant act of aggression was unacceptable, and represented a disturbing trend of disregard for youth safety and community values.
Condemning the violence in the strongest possible terms, the WSYF said it had long stood for the empowerment, protection, and well-being of the youth in the society.
The youth body mentioned that it firmly believed that every young person had the right to feel safe and secure in their environment, free from the threat of violence.
It described the attack on the youth as not merely an isolated incident, but a symptom of a larger issue that required immediate attention and action from local authorities and community leaders.
Urging the members of the group involved to reflect on the values of those they claimed to represent, the front reminded them that the freedom fighters stood against oppression and violence, adding that any actions contrary to these principles betrayed their legacy and tarnished their honorable struggle.
It called upon law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that the perpetrators were held accountable, demanding that justice must be served swiftly to restore trust and deter such incidents in the future.
As a youth organisation committed to fostering peace and progress, the WSYF asserted that it stood in solidarity with the victims and their families.
It stressed that dialogue and mutual respect should guide the path forward, not violence and intimidation.
The front appealed all groups and individuals to honour the memory of the freedom fighters by upholding their values and working towards a society free from fear and oppression, calling for building a future rooted in understanding unity, and respect for all.
WNYF: The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has expressed shock and dismay over the despicable act of so called national workers for abducting four youths and brutally assaulting three of them at gunpoint in the early hours of December 17, at a private residence in Thahekhu village.
In a statement, WNYF interim president Aga Rengma, condemned the blatant misuse of power and inhumane treatment meted out to the innocent persons by some self-proclaimed national workers.
The front expressed deep concern over the growing incidents of abduction, intimidation, and targeting innocent civilians by those claiming to work for the welfare of the people.
WNYF strongly discouraged the perpetuation of gun culture, urging law enforcement agencies to ensure that the law is upheld and keep check on rampant possession of arms in public spaces.
The front urged the national workers, regardless of faction, to stop their abusive practices and start respecting the rights and sentiments of the people to enable peaceful coexistence.
WNYF also called upon the authorities to book all those involved under the National Security Act (NSA). They further appealed to all right-thinking citizens to condemn the barbaric act and demand unconditional justice.
As a collective body of various tribal youth organizations and civil societies, WNYF urged its member organizations to remain vigilant and prepared to deal with any eventuality that may arise from what it described as the menace of authoritarianism and gun culture.
DSSU: Strongly condemning the abduction, intimidation and physical abuse of the four youth, the Dimapur Sümi Students Union (DSSU) said it was bewildered by the fact that certain individuals claiming affiliation with Naga political groups (NPGs) had directly caused this incident.
Describing the intimidation of the four individuals with arms as despicable, DSSU joint secretary Katoho N Sümi in a note emphasised that the sole role of a freedom fighter should be to safeguard the general public, and not abuse them nor threaten them in any manner. However, he said this incident raised a big doubt on the safety and well-being of the people.
He requested the authorities concerned to thoroughly investigate the incident and take strict action against the perpetrators, ensure that they were punished as per the law.
Urging all stakeholders to condemn such acts of violence, Katoho N Sümi also appealed everyone to abide by law so that no such incident occurred again in days to come.
CSUD: The Chakhesang Students’ Union, Dimapur (CSUD) said it was saddened and shocked to hear the sad reality prevailing in the vicinity.
Expressing solidarity with the four individuals, the union requested every right-thinking citizen to condemn such acts. It also questioned as to why and how such incidents took place where common public were harassed in the name of national workers and create fear in the minds of law-abiding citizens.
The CSUD reminded all Naga brethren of the strong and unwavering support for each other, while reposing its confidence in the security agents for ensuring justice and shedding light on the matter.
Calling for stand for what was right, and eradicate evil practices that brought disharmony, the union reminded all that unity and peace were bigger than ego and pride.
CAKSU: Chakhro Angami Kuda Students’ Union (CAKSU) strongly condemned the alleged assault and intimidation of innocent citizens.
CAKSU president Alenuo Delie and general secretary Visimetuo Nagi expressed deep shock and concern over the reported involvement of individuals claiming affiliation with various national workers in such a heinous act.
The union said that such kind of violence against innocent citizens was unacceptable, adding that it has no place in the society, and deserves unequivocal condemnation.
CAKSU also firmly asserted that weapons entrusted for protection and safeguarding the public must never be used to intimidate or harm innocent individuals.
The union demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators under relevant laws and urge the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to deliver justice to the victims.
While expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, CAKSU said it would closely monitor the situation to ensure justice is served.