In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old man succumbed to injuries on November 11 after he was brutally assaulted two days earlier, according to police and family sources.
Police identified the victim as Mhathung Lotha, father of a three-year old and of Yimpang village, a resident of Naga Colony, Burma Camp, Dimapur. He succumbed to injury at Civil Hospital Dimapur on November 11 where he had been admitted. In this regard, East Police personnel have arrested three persons involved in the incident, according to PRO Dimapur.
Police disclosed that the incident happened on November 9 when the victim and his friend were brutally beaten up by some individuals following an altercation at Naga Colony area, Burma Camp.
Then on November 10, the victim and his friend were forced to go to the residence of the accused persons, on the pretext of resolving the issue but instead, were again beaten up.
After this incident, PRO said the victim was taken to District Hospital Dimapur but succumbed to injuries on November 11 at around 7 p.m., while his friend was undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The wife of the victim has filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the East Police Station. In the FIR, she stated that the incident occurred on November 9 at around 8 p.m. when her husband and his friend confronted a couple, identified as Bokugha and his wife Alung, to enquire as to why and at whom were they shouting. In the FIR, she said an argument ensued and quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
The wife alleged that the couple, joined by others at the scene, assaulted her husband and his friend, causing injuries that required hospitalization.
Further, the wife alleged that while her husband was receiving treatment, he was coerced to leave the hospital by the accused to settle the dispute. She claimed that the accused forced her husband to sign an agreement to pay a fine of Rs. 25,000, by 5 p.m. on November 10. She said the accused persons also threatened to hold him at the camp if he failed to comply.
In the FIR, the wife stated that despite being hospitalized, her husband was forced to meet the accused persons hoping to resolve the situation.
However, as soon as he reached the place, he was attacked from behind. She said that the Rs. 25,000 demand was imposed individually by the accused and their family.
The deceased’s wife has requested that the case be investigated on a priority basis and that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
In response to the incident, Nzanbemo Patton, chairman of Dimapur Nkonjan Yimpang Ekhung, described the assault as inhuman and unacceptable. He affirmed that the union would refrain from any retaliatory action but would instead place its trust in law enforcement. He stated that they have filed an FIR and expect the police to take action according to the law.
Family members of the deceased, noting that the victim was the sole breadwinner, called on the Naga community to denounce the violence and asked the accused family to take responsibility.
DLYO, DDCF condemn fatal assault
Dimapur Lotha Youth Organisation (DLYO) and Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) have condemned the November 9 incident at Burma Camp, Naga Colony, Dimapur, which led to the death of Mhathung Lotha of Yimpang village on November 11.
DLYO: Dimapur Lotha Youth Organisation (DLYO) expressed deep sadness and outrage over the tragic incident that occurred on November 9, in which one of its members, late Mhathung Lotha (32), lost his life after being brutally assaulted during a scuffle.
DLYO said it was heartbreaking to witness such violence within the community, especially over a matter that could have been resolved peacefully. It said the organisation was compelled to question the mindset that allows such brutality to unfold, adding, “How can we, as Nagas, turn against our own brothers over petty disagreements? This is not who we are.”
DLYO reminded that Nagas have always prided themselves on unity, respect, and shared identity, yet incidents like this threaten to unravel the very fabric of society.
Condemning the act in the strongest terms, DLYO said the loss of life in such a senseless manner demanded accountability.
It asserted that those who take advantage of the weaker sections through intimidation and forced agreements “do not deserve to live within our Naga society”. It urged all customary and law enforcement authorities to ensure the culprits were brought to justice and exemplary punishment meted out to deter future occurrences.
“Let this incident be a wake-up call,” DLYO stated, urging citizens to remember that violence is never the answer and that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.
Extending its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, DLYO assured that it stands in solidarity with them until justice is served.
DDCF: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has expressed strong resentment and dismay over the incident that occurred on November 9 at Burma Camp, Naga Colony, which led to the death of Mhathung Lotha of Yimpang village on November 11.
DDCF conveyed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and condemned in the strongest terms the actions of all individuals involved in the crime, stating that such acts have no place in a civilized Naga society.
The forum urged the competent authorities to take all necessary measures to apprehend the culprits and book them under relevant provisions of the law at the earliest.