Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 3 (NPN): Set against the backdrop of raging outcry against the June 30 incident involving a student body leader accused of vandalism and altercation at a restaurant/club in Dimapur, advisor for Tribal Affairs and Elections, H Tovihoto Ayemi, has called on all organizations to function strictly within their defined roles and uphold the rule of law.
Addressing the media Friday on the sidelines of a programme at Dimapur, Ayemi emphasized that every organization– including student bodies, village councils, hohos, and civil society groups– has specific responsibilities and jurisdictions that must not be overstepped.
“Every organization has its own role to play. You just cannot encroach on something which you are not supposed to,” he stated.
The advisor stressed that student organizations, in particular, must prioritize the welfare and interests of students they represent. “They should be acting and doing things in the interest of the students,” Ayemi added, highlighting that organizations must remain accountable to their constituencies.
Ayemi called for restraint and accountability across all sectors, urging organizations to operate strictly within the framework of their respective constitutions. “Be it any social or civil society, just remain within your jurisdiction and do whatever has been permitted as per the constitution of your organization,” he reminded.
The advisor also underscored the importance of legal processes in addressing wrongdoing. He asserted that the law of the land must prevail in all matters and that no individual or organization stands above the law. “There is the law of the land, there is a government, and there is law which will decide. No one is above the law,” Ayemi emphasized.
Dimapur Urban Colony Chairman Forum (DUCCF) president, Zasivikho Zakiesatuo has strongly condemned the June 30 incident involving a student body leader alleged of vandalism and altercation at a restaurant-bar, terming it “unfortunate and unexpected”.
Addressing media Friday, Zakiesatuo emphasised that all individuals should exercise responsibility within the mandates of their respective organizations, regardless of their position or affiliation.
He also expressed concern over rampant and “unabated and forceful collection in disguise of sponsorship and free will donation” in Dimapur while reminding that civil society groups in Dimapur have consistently opposed illegal collections and activities that burden the business community.
“As grassroots leaders, we cannot remain silent when such incidents take place,” Zakiesatuo stated. He highlighted that DUCCF along with Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Dimapur GB Sadar, has repeatedly raised concerns over unauthorized collections.
Regarding the particular incident, Zakiesatuo informed that the restaurant owner has lodged an FIR and therefore, urged law enforcement agencies to take the matter seriously and conduct a thorough investigation with transparent findings. “No one is above the law,” he stressed.
While condemning the act, Zakiesatuo appealed to the public and organizations not to generalize or target Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) as a whole but characterizing the incident as an individual act. He maintained that NSF continues to play an important role in Naga society and deserves support amid the ongoing controversy. He also urged authorities to ensure consistency in law enforcement, citing the case of a church pastor accused of abuse on minors.
On the broader issue of liquor regulation, Zakiesatuo reiterated the long-standing demand for repeal of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act in Dimapur.
He noted that despite prohibition laws, bars and lounges continue to operate, creating legal ambiguities and enforcement challenges. He said the current situation affects businesses, the local economy, and places law enforcement in a difficult position.
“On paper, the state is dry, but the ground reality is different,” Zakiesatuo said, advocating for policy reform through regulation rather than continuation of a widely circumvented law.
Zakiesatuo noted that significant stakeholders, including tribal bodies and the Excise Advisor, support lifting the Act in Dimapur. He appealed to the State government to take a pragmatic view to maintain law and order while supporting economic activity and ensuring administrative clarity.