More organisations 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.
WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) expressed deep pain and worry over the “senseless murder” of Mhathung Lotha, and serious injury inflicted on his friend, Chonben Kikon, by Bokugha and his wife Alung, along with others, on November 11 at Burma Camp, Dimapur.
WSH through its media cell stated that such heinous acts were unacceptable and go against human values and dignity.
In this regard, the hoho urged the responsible authorities to take immediate action to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. Further, WSH also appealed to all responsible not to view such incidents through tribal lines.
Admitting that unwanted incidents sometimes occur in any society, the WSH asserted that the tragic event of November 11 should never have happened in the first place if the perpetrators had acted with a sense of reason and empathy, regardless of the circumstances.
WSH said it was deeply moved by the statement of Dimapur Nkonjan Yimpang chairman, Nzanbemo Patton, who expressed his decision to let the law take its own course and refrain from any act of revenge. “This is a true spirit of Christianity in action, an example all Nagas should emulate to overcome elements that threaten our peace and harmony,” WSH said.
Meanwhile, the hoho expressed condolences to the bereaved family and relatives.
DLH: Strongly condemning the incident, the Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH) said that such acts of violence were reprehensible and had no place in a civilized society.
In a press release, DLH chairman Thungchanthung Murry and secretary media incharge, Renponthung Lotha urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and time bound investigation into the matter.
The hoho demanded that all individual responsible for the heinous crime must be brought to justice swiftly and transparently. DLH lauded the law enforcement agencies for their swift action in arresting some of the culprits.
Meanwhile, the hoho expressed wish the injured a full and speedy recovery and called upon the authorities to ensure his safety and provide necessary medical and legal support during this difficult time. The Hoho also expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family of late Mhathung.
WSYF: Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) expressed outrage over the “barbaric and inhuman incident”, saying such brutality and disregard for human life had no place in a civilized society.
WSYF through its media cell said that recalling an injured man from medical care and beating him up again was not only inhumane but also a direct challenge to law and order.
The youth body also expressed concern that in an agreement the names of “three distinct tribes” were “unnecessarily and irresponsibly” dragged into the matter, even though the conflict was strictly between two individuals or families.
WSYF said that “deliberate attempt” to bring tribal identities into a personal dispute was “highly condemnable, divisive, and dangerous.”
The front warned that such reckless actions could create unnecessary communal tension and must be treated with utmost seriousness by the concerned authorities.
Further, WSYF expressed grave concern over the allegation in which the victims were reportedly threatened to be taken into camp with dire consequences.
In this regard, WSYF has demanded immediate clarification on which “camp” was being referred to. If the reference pertains to any underground faction or organization, the WSYF has called upon the concerned group to take urgent action on members involved in threatening or intimidating civilians.
“Such misuse of underground influence, if true, is highly condemnable and a direct threat to peace and public safety,” WSYF stated.
WSYF also demanded that district administration and law enforcement agencies take swift, firm, and decisive action against all individuals involved in this gruesome act.
The youth front affirmed solidarity with the bereaved family and assured its fullest support to ensure that justice was delivered.
DLEE: Dimapur Lotha Eloe Ekhung (DLEE) expressed shock, sorrow, and outrage over the tragic incident that occurred on November 9.
DLEE through its media cell said the incident deeply disturbed the peace-loving community, saying it strongly condemned “this heinous and senseless act of violence”. DLEE said such actions had no place in a civilized society and must be denounced by all sections.
The Eloe Ekhung said that it was not only an attack on one individual but also as a grave affront to human dignity and communal harmony.
DLEE urged the responsible authorities and law enforcement agencies to carry out a prompt, transparent, and thorough investigation into the November 9 incident and ensure that justice was delivered without delay.
Further, the Ekhung demanded that those responsible must be held fully accountable so such acts of violence did not recur.
DLEE also appeals to the general public and community organizations to remain calm, maintain peace, and refrain from spreading misinformation or unverified reports that could further escalate tensions. The Ekhung emphasized that unity, understanding, and the rule of law must prevail above all else.
DLEE affirmed solidarity with the bereaved family and extended its heartfelt condolences.
LMRSU: Lotha Middle Range Students Union (LMRSU) through its president Rhonbemo Murry and assistant general secretary Renvungo Jami strongly condemned the brutal assault and killing of Mhathung Lotha and affirmed that such “heinous act of violence” was unacceptable and demanded justice.
LMRSU also urged the law enforcement agencies to take immediate and strict action against the perpetrators involved. The un ion demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice without delay.
LMRSU further appealed to the law enforcement agencies to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Meanwhile, the union expressed condolences to the bereaved family and affirmed solidarity with them in this time of profound sadness and outrage.
LMRSU said it would continue to stand with the victim’s family and fight for justice until the perpetrators involved were held accountable.
WNYF: Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) expressed condemnation over the “brutal and senseless killing” of late Mhatung Lotha and said that “this gruesome act” reflected a total breakdown of moral conscience and an alarming collapse of law and order in the society.
The youth front through its media cell said that no justification could ever validate the torture, humiliation, and eventual death of a man who was reportedly assaulted twice.
Even as the police claimed to have arrested three accused persons, WNYF said more people could be involved, adding that the investigation remained incomplete.
The youth body stated that the wife of the prime accused must also be booked and investigated for her “direct and indirect role” in provoking and participating in the crime.
WNYF said that the victims being threatened to be taken to some camp must be investigated and fix accountability.
Appreciating the initial arrests, the front cautioned that “partial justice will provoke social unrest.”
The youth front affirmed its solidarity and support with the victim’s families and his friend, who was still in hospital. It demanded proper justice and security for them.
Ther front further warned that any kind of threat or intimidation to them by any individual or groups would be “viewed as a challenge to all the Tribal Youth Organisations under WNYF.”
WSSU: Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) expressed deep shock over by the tragic incident in which Mathung Lotha lost his life.
In a press release, the union strongly condemned the brutal act and said that such heinous crimes were a grave concern to society at large.
WSSU said Naga society, once revered for its moral integrity and respect for human life, was now witnessing an alarming rise in such acts of violence.
The union urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to take swift and stern action against the culprit(s) and book them under relevant provisions of the law. It demanded that no stone be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served to the victim and his family.
Calling upon the Naga society to refrain from the overused notion of “forgive and forget” in cases of crime, the union said forgiveness was a noble Christian virtue, but it must not become a shield for lawbreakers. “This misplaced leniency only emboldens wrongdoers and erodes respect for the rule of law,” WSSU said.
Meanwhile, WSSU extended condolences to the bereaved family and affirmed in solidarity with them until justice is served.
DLGBU: Dimapur Lotha GB Union (DLBGU) condemned the “heinous, brutal, and inhumane assault” that led to the death of late Mhathung Patton and grievous injuries to Chomben Kikon, who is currently undergoing medical treatment.
DLGBU president M.Y. Ngullie and general secretary T. Yanbothung Kikon, said the union was deeply shocked and saddened by the act of violence.
Acknowledging that misunderstandings or quarrels could arise among individuals or friends, the union stated that such differences could never justify taking the law into one’s own hands, much less taking an innocent life.
The union urged the competent law enforcement authorities to take swift and decisive action by apprehending all those involved and ensuring the strictest and most exemplary punishment under the law. It also appealed that no bail be granted to any of the accused persons under any circumstances.
DLGBU conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of late Mhathung Patton and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of Chomben Kikon.
TYOD: Tenyimi Youth Organisation Dimapur (TYOD) strongly condemned the brutal murder and expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
It said such heinous acts of violence were unacceptable and demanded immediate attention. The organisation urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. “Our thoughts are with the affected family during this difficult time,” TYOD president Khrozote Kapfo stated.
DLSU: Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union (DLSU) has expressed shock over the tragic incident, which led to the untimely death of late Mhathung Lotha.
In a condemnation note, DLSU president Chumnran Humtsoe and vice president Mhonbemo M. Kikon expressed dismay that such a brutal act of assault could take place in society.
DLSU said no reason or justification could validate such violence that resulted in the loss of an innocent life.
Expressing grave concern, the union said such actions were utterly unacceptable in a civilised and law-abiding society.
DLSU said that no individual, group, or organisation had the right to take the law into their own hands. It emphasised that justice must be pursued through lawful and moral means, not through violence or intimidation.
The union urged the competent authorities and departments to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all those responsible were brought to justice under the law.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, DLSU wished speedy recovery of Chonben Kikon and appealed to every right-thinking citizen to uphold peace, compassion, and justice in society.
BCLE: Burma Camp Lotha Ekhung (BCLE) strongly condemned the heinous act of violence, which led to the death of one Mhathung Lotha, and injuries to Chonben.
In a statement, BCLE chairman Rabenthung Yanthan and general secretary Mhathung Odyuo said that such acts of violence were inexcusable and completely contrary to the values of justice, peace, and respect for human life.
Ekhung said the victims were coerced into returning under the guise of resolving the matter, only to be subjected once again to a savage assault. “Such acts of violence have no place in a civilized society and stand against the principles of humanity and law,” BCLE said.
BCLE demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice through a thorough investigation and a stringent action taken as per the law.
It also extended condolences to the bereaved family and conveyed prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
ZYOD: Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur (ZYOD) Thursday expressed outrage over the “barbaric and inhuman torture” that resulted in the tragic death of late Mhathung Lotha and injuries to Chonben Kikon.
In a condemnation note, ZYOD president Idizeung Reunim and general secretary Rampau Haining said the victims were forced to sign an “agreement” under duress, “compelling them to pay a sum of Rs. 25,000 to their tormentors.”
The youth body said the “so-called agreement was nothing less than a death warrant,” adding that it was “a desperate, deceitful attempt” by the perpetrators to conceal their crime and absolve themselves of responsibility.
ZYOD also expressed concern that
Stating that the agreement mentioned and included the names of distinct tribal identities rather than the actual issue which was between two families, ZYOD said “this attempt is highly condemnable, divisive and non-comprehensive to the nature of peace loving people.”
Demanding swift, strong, and exemplary justice, ZYOD called upon the law-enforcing authorities to ensure that every perpetrator involved was arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
It also urged every community, organization, and conscientious citizen to condemn this barbaric act and demand justice for the victims.
ZYOD also affirmed solidarity with the bereaved family and extended heartfelt prayers for the swift and complete recovery of Chonben Kikon.