Several organisations have strongly condemned the abduction and assault of local businessman Kiyeto Zhimomi, who is also head GB of Vikuho village, allegedly by NSCN (Khango-Vusshe) on January 19, 2026.
WSH, WSKH: Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) and Western Sümi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) have strongly condemned the rising incidents of kidnapping, abduction and ransom-driven intimidation carried out through armed threats.
In a joint statement, the WSH and WSKH said that such acts were nothing but criminality and had no place in Naga society or in any political cause. Thew two hohos also asserted that such acts erode social order, endanger lives and tear apart the moral fabric of the people.
Specifically condemning the abduction of Kiyeto Zhimomi, WSH and WSKH said that targeting a village authority and local entrepreneur was a grave provocation and a disturbing reflection of lawlessness.
Although the victim has been released, WSH and WSKH said the crime itself remained serious and wholly unacceptable. The two hohos affirmed that the matter would be pursued through all appropriate customary, civil and legal mechanisms. They cautioned that any individuals or groups found guilty would be held fully responsible and accountable for their actions.
The two hohos said that abduction and intimidation of Naga entrepreneurs and community leaders for ransom constituted a shameful descent into predatory criminality against one’s own people.
WSH and WSKH said that repeated targeting of local entrepreneurs who were the backbone of society marked a profound moral collapse and an unforgivable betrayal of communal values.
The hohos maintained that any individual or group that invoked the Naga political cause while terrorizing civilians for monetary gain stood exposed as criminals and irrevocably forfeits all moral, ethical and political legitimacy.
WSH and WSKH affirmed that kidnapping, abduction, extortion and armed intimidation would not be tolerated within their jurisdiction.
Stating that Naga society would not be held hostage by guns or ransom, the two hohos said they rejected criminality masquerading as authority and stand united in defending peace, dignity and communal order.
SH, SKH: Sümi Hoho (SH) and Sümi Kükami Hoho (SKH) also strongly condemned the abduction, physical assault, and subsequent hospitalization of Aükau Kiyeto Zhimomi (Kits), Akükatou of Vikuho Village, reportedly carried out by NSCN/GPRN (Khango – Hokato Vusshe).
SH through its media cell said that abduction of an unarmed civilian, a respected village authority, and a well-known member of the business community constituted a serious criminal act and an affront to customary institutions and public order.
The two hohos said that “such lawless acts” reflected a blatant disregard for human dignity and the collective will of the people, and severely undermined the fragile peace and security of society.
SH and SKH described the incident as “grave and unacceptable”, particularly in light of reports of assault, intimidation, and extortion.
They stated that acts of abduction and violence against civilians eroded whatever moral or political legitimacy any group may claim, adding it only deepened fear, mistrust, and instability within the community.
SH and SKH asserted that targeting civilians and customary leaders would not be tolerated.
DCCI: Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) vehemently condemned the abduction and torture of Kiyeto Zhimomi, head GB of Vikuho village and a businessman, allegedly by armed cadres on January 19.
DCCI through its media cell said that the incident was another direct affront to the business community who have borne the brunt of illegal taxation, threat and harassment by multiple Naga political groups.
The chamber said that inhumane and undignified treatment of Kiyeto Zhimomi was also a direct reflection of the “incompetency and laid back attitude” of the government and the law enforcing agencies towards the excesses committed by armed cadres.
“How long will the government and police department beat around the bush and look the other way?” DCCI questioned and said that in this instance also, the victim had reportedly filed dozen FIRs, only to lie in cold storage.
The chamber has asked the law enforcing agencies to conduct thorough investigation and promptly arrest all those involved in the abduction and torture of the head GB.
It also demanded that the action taken should be made public at the earliest, to quell the rising unrest among the public, especially the business community.
Meanwhile, DCCI has appealed to the CSOs and public at large to voice out against such blatant violations of human rights and dignity.
DCCI cautioned that the business community would be compelled to adopt democratic means to secure their safety and livelihood if the government and law enforcing agencies failed to take prompt and decisive action.
NGBF: Nagaland Gaonburas Federation (NGBF) has strongly condemned incident as a “cowardly and reprehensible act” that strikes at the heart of community safety, dignity, and traditional institutions.
The federation through its media cell said it stood united in denouncing such barbaric and unlawful behaviour. NGBF said that such act gravely undermined the collective pursuit of peace and reconciliation.
At a time when the Naga people yearn for harmony, unity, and an honourable Naga political solution, NGBF said such acts of violence bring only shame and humiliation to society, betraying the noble aspirations of mutual respect and coexistence.
NGBF demanded immediate accountability for all those involved. It called for a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the crime and ensure swift justice for Kiyeto Zhimomi. The federation reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to safeguard the rights, security, and welfare of every citizen and to uphold the sanctity of age-old institutions.
BAN: Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has strongly condemned the incident and demanded swift and uncompromising action against all those involved.
In a statement, BAN expressed serious concern that the incident was preceded by repeated threats of abduction, against which the victim had lodged several FIRs at multiple police stations seeking protection.
BAN asserted that the incident was not an isolated criminal act but a manifestation of a deeper, long-standing problem in Nagaland, marked by extortion, intimidation and coercion under the guise of political activity. It lamented the absence of a stringent and deterrent legal framework to effectively address such crimes. BAN called upon the state government to introduce and enforce strict laws to deal decisively with abduction and extortion.
Demanding that the rule of law prevail, BAN said justice must not be delayed and action must be taken irrespective of the perpetrators’ affiliations.
It also expressed deep concern over “continued ineffectiveness” of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG). BAN alleged that despite being entrusted with ensuring adherence to ceasefire ground rules, incidents of extortion, intimidation and abduction continued under its watch.
BAN urged the authorities to urgently review the functioning, accountability and relevance of the CFMG and ensure its mandate was enforced in letter and spirit.
BAN said continuous threats and extortion demands have created fear and uncertainty, forcing several businesses to shift operations outside the state. It warned that this trend would have serious consequences for Nagaland’s economy, employment and development.
BAN also reiterated the need for immediate implementation of a comprehensive city-wide surveillance system, stating that further delay would only embolden criminal elements.
NCD: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has expressed shock and outrage over the abduction and assault of businessman Kiyeto Zhimomi, allegedly by NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato).
In a statement, NCD said the incident had come at a time when the people of Nagaland were hoping for peace and prosperity with the onset of the New Year, but were instead confronted with what it described as an unfortunate, disturbing and barbaric act.
NCD stated that it had been observing that the particular Naga Political Group (NPG) had repeatedly been at the centre of such unwarranted incidents, openly undermining the laid-down ceasefire ground rules, yet without any corrective measures or logical conclusion being achieved.
In this context, NCD questioned the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Board on whether preferential treatment was being extended to certain NPGs, or whether the chairman’s role had been reduced to that of a “decorative piece” with no effective authority.
Highlighting the wider impact of such activities, NCD said Dimapur’s potential not only as a trade and commerce hub but also as an investor destination capable of generating thousands of jobs had been severely throttled. It attributed this to extortion, unabated taxation and illegal activities carried out under the guise of the Naga national cause by more than 30 splinter groups.
NCD warned that public anger and frustration were reaching a breaking point and cautioned that it was only a matter of time before public ire erupted.
The council demanded that law enforcing agencies immediately arrest all those involved in the abduction so that justice is served at the earliest. It also informed that NCD would initiate consultations with Dimapur tribal apex bodies and civil society organisations to decide on the next course of action.
SUD: Satakhami Union Dimapur (SUD) has strongly condemned what it called the “heinous act” of kidnapping and causing grievous injury to Kiyeto Zhimomi, a prominent businessman and ato kukau of Vikuho village, allegedly perpetrated by cadres of NSCN (Khango / Hokato Vusshe).
In a press release, SUD president Bokato Zhimo and general secretary Ahokhu Shohe described the “cowardly attack” on an innocent civilian as a blatant disregard for human life and the rule of law. The union stated that abduction, grievous hurt, and injury reflected a disturbing erosion of human dignity and lawful conduct.
SUD asserted that such acts created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the public and business community, adversely affecting social harmony and economic stability.
It also expressed serious concern over the “growing audacity” of criminal elements and affirmed that no individual or group can be permitted to operate above the law.
The union urged law enforcement agencies to take a stern view of such crimes and ensure perpetrators were brought to justice.
SUD also appealed for a strong stance against granting bail to those accused of extortion, kidnapping, or abduction.
Meanwhile, SUD has demanded the following from NSCN (Khango/Hokato Vusshe): Issue a public apology for the act committed against Kiyeto Zhimomi; guarantee the safety and security of Kiyeto and his family; and immediately rescind the Rs. 30 lakh bond allegedly executed under duress for his release.
Expressing solidarity with the victim, SUD reaffirmed its collective resolve to uphold peace, legality, and the rule of law.
In connection with the incident, SUD president has convened an emergency meeting on January 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Hotel Saramati. All presidents, advisors, unit leaders, general secretary, and executives have been requested to attend.
WNYF: Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has strongly condemned the incident, which it said was not an isolated one. The front warned that if law-enforcing agencies and responsible authorities continued to remain indifferent, incompetent or unwilling to act decisively, such incidents could recur.
The youth body stated that for over a year it had repeatedly demanded preventive measures and strict accountability against anti-social elements operating in society.
WNYF expressed serious concern over what it described as the continued silence and inaction of the ceasefire monitoring board, government administration and law enforcement agencies in preventing such crimes, terming it a grave failure of duty.
It cautioned that allowing the prevailing climate of lawlessness to continue unabated would have deeply detrimental consequences for peace, public confidence and social stability.
Stating that the patience of people should not be taken for granted, WNYF said the history has shown that prolonged injustice and fear often lead to public frustration and upheaval.
It stressed that what was urgently required was a radical shift in approach, marked by firm political will, strict enforcement of law and uncompromising accountability from all quarters to decisively confront and dismantle anti-social forces before the situation spirals out of control.
It also appealed to all civil society organisations, youth bodies, village councils and responsible stakeholders to stand united against what it described as the culture of abduction, illegal taxation and extortion that continues to suffocate peace and development in the region.
WNYF demanded the immediate arrest of all those involved in the abduction and called for swift justice through proper prosecution of those responsible.
DNSU: Strongly condemning the “brazen abduction and assault” of Kiyeto Zhimomi, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) described the incident as a stark example of armed groups operating with impunity in civilian areas, terrorising innocents through anti-social activities.
DNSU through its media cell highlighted that in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, such groups have repeatedly violated ceasefire ground rules in recent months, escalating harassment, extortion, and abductions.
The unions said such acts assault Naga dignity and security, threaten social stability, and discredit the sacred ideals of the Naga national struggle. DNSU asserted that those involved were no true freedom fighters.
While honouring the real patriots whose sacrifices advanced the Naga cause, the union stated that the proliferation of factions has corrupted that legacy, turning it into gangs driven by personal gain, power struggles, and infighting.
DNSU also said that by exploiting the ceasefire for thuggery, they erode public trust and betray shared aspirations.
It noted surging antipathy among youths, families, and communities toward those who cloak crimes in patriotism. “We cannot afford to remain mute spectators,” DNSU declared.
The union appealed to all political groups to shun anti-social activities and restore trust in the ideals upheld by forefathers. DNSU demanded that Ceasefire Monitoring Body (CFMB) act decisively and impartially enforce ceasefire rules in letter and spirit, thoroughly investigate this abduction, and end armed impunity immediately.
DAYO: Expressing its strongest condemnation over the incident, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) through its media cell stated that the incident was deeply disturbing at a time when the people of Nagaland are yearning for peace, stability, and progress.
DAYO said abduction of any citizen was a grave criminal act and an inhumane form of intimidation that threatened public safety and undermined societal dignity, creating fear psychosis and affecting social harmony.
Expressing relief over Kiyeto’s release, DAYO however said that such unlawful acts can never be justified under any circumstances.
Asserting it viewed the incident as a serious warning sign for the overall security environment in the state, DAYO said the incident sent a wrong message to the business community and ordinary citizens striving for honest living and contributing to the economy and development.
DAYO appealed to all responsible to refrain from abduction, coercion, intimidation, or any unlawful activities.
The organisation urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take serious note of the incident, maintain peace and public safety, and implement necessary measures to prevent recurrence.
DAYO also called upon all right-thinking citizens and civil society organisations to stand united against such acts that disturbed public peace.