Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma addressed pressing law and order concerns in Nagaland during a media interaction on the sidelines of the 52nd General Conference of the Nagaland Police Service Association (NPSA) held at the Police Conference Hall, Chümoukedima, on Wednesday.
The DGP provided updates on several high-profile cases, including the Chümoukedima arms smuggling, Naga Unification Camp crisis in Khehoi, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) chairperson’s alleged attempt to procure arms, and the Robert Kikon sexual molestation case.
Khehoi incident: Regarding the recent takeover within the GPRN/NSCN at the Naga Unification designated camp in Khehoi, DGP revealed that he was in Dimapur on the day of the incident and personally visited the site to assess the situation. He emphasized that the incident was an internal matter confined to the faction involved and did not pose a broader law and order threat.
“As long as it does not spill onto the streets and cause law and order issues, it is fine,” Sharma stated. He assured that the Nagaland Police, Assam Rifles, and other security forces are collaborating to prevent any disruptions. DGP also expressed gratitude to civil society organizations for their continued advocacy for peace.
Arms procurement attempt: Sharma addressed the controversy surrounding the DMC chairperson’s alleged attempt to procure sophisticated weapons by officially writing to an arms factory. He clarified that no offense had been committed, attributing the act to “procedural overreach and ignorance.”
DGP disclosed that the arms factory had contacted the police, who was advised against proceeding with the request and the matter was subsequently communicated to Commissioner of Police.
Sharma urged the public to recognize that such actions are “unwelcome and not conducive to the general welfare of society.”
Arms smuggling case: Referring to the Chümoukedima arms smuggling case, involving a police official and key accused, Michael Yanthan, DGP said that a criminal case was registered, and that he was unaware of the progress of the court trial.
He also said that a departmental inquiry has been conducted, and the report submitted to the state government for action, as Yanthan is a gazetted officer. “I am unaware of the government’s actions,” Sharma added.
Sexual molestation: Sharma provided an update on the case involving former pastor Robert Kikon, accused of sexual molestation and rape of minor boys, and currently absconding and believed to be hiding abroad. The DGP highlighted legal constraints in bringing Kikon back to India to stand trial.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has a limited role in this matter,” Sharma explained. He outlined two possible options: deportation, which involves the country of residence expelling the fugitive, or extradition, which depends on the legal framework of the specific country.
He said that a lookout circular has been issued to intercept Kikon if he attempts to enter or exit India. DGP also appealed to the public for credible information on Kikon’s whereabouts, assuring strict confidentiality.
“Please notify us if you are aware of his whereabouts,” he urged. Otherwise, the police will await the possibility of Kikon’s arrest through Lookout Circular or a Red Corner Notice.