Nagaland Arecanut Traders and Transport lauds police; demands action on Jan 19 kidnapping

Nagaland Arecanut Traders and Transport (NATT) has appreciated the role of Nagaland police under the leadership of DGP Rupin Sharma and commissioner of police Dimapur, Aotula T. Imchen, for their prompt handling of the “sensitive case” involving kidnapping, car hijacking, assault, extortion and death threat against one of its members, Kiyeto Zhimomi, head GB of Vikuho village, on January 19 by NSCN (Khango/Hokato Vusshe).
In a press release, NATT media cell urged the law enforcing agencies to leave no stone unturned in arresting all culprits at the earliest. It also appealed to the competent authority to enforce the April 26, 2024 resolution announced by deputy chief minister Y. Patton at the cabinet meeting, which called for strict implementation of ceasefire ground rules and booking of culprits under NSA with detention outside the state. NATT said such resolute action would deter future crimes.
Acknowledging the positive role of WSH, WSKH, WSYF and other CSOs, NATT expressed gratitude for their support. It also thanked CNCCI, DCCI, BAN and the wider business community for openly condemning the “terrorist act.” The organisation said it was humbled by the prayers and solidarity shown by the general public during the crisis.
NATT further acknowledged the active role of Assam Rifles, pointing out that the victim was blindfolded and beaten while being taken from one place to another, which it said was a clear breach of ceasefire ground rules committed inside the CF office.
On the issue of “exorbitant taxation and unimaginable demands” by various NPGs, NATT reaffirmed its commitment to the October 31, 2013 public resolution of “One Government, One Tax.” It cautioned NPGs against accepting suspended cadres, stressing that “criminals are criminals and should be in jail, not in your fold.” NATT appealed to the warring groups to adhere to ceasefire ground rules for business growth and nation building.
The traders’ body also urged the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) to consider relocating CF offices away from business hubs and towns, arguing that true observance of ceasefire could be monitored from distant places given technological advancement and road connectivity.
NATT said relocation would reduce illegal practices of summoning and torturing civilians and curb extortion of business communities.
NATT further cautioned that any harm caused to Kiyeto Zhimomi in future would rest solely on NSCN (Khango/Hokato Vusshe). It maintained that Zhimomi, who earns his livelihood through honest means, had no enmity with any person or group.
Placing its faith in Almighty God, NATT said it would continue to stand against all forms of injustice and prayed for blessings, peace and justice for all.