Deputy CM, WSYF condemn incident
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 20
A businessman, who also serves as the Head Gaon Bura (GB) of Vikuho village, was allegedly abducted on the evening of January 19 by cadres of the NSCN-K (Khango–Hokato) while returning home from his office.
The victim, identified as Kiyeto Zhimomi (Kits), later told the media, while undergoing treatment at a hospital, that he was taken from outside his residence, blindfolded, and transported to an undisclosed location. He alleged that he was subjected to physical torture during his detention.
According to the businessman, his captors initially demanded Rs 40 lakh and later forced him to sign an agreement to pay Rs 30 lakh within five days. He stated that the document was signed under duress, fearing for his life, and maintained that he has no means to meet the demand.
He was reportedly released around 2:00 am on January 20 and received by members of the Western Sümi Gaon Buras and the Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF), who escorted him safely back to his residence.
The victim has appealed to law enforcement agencies to arrest those involved in the incident. This was not the first such incident, reportedly. According to him, two individuals were arrested by the police based on FIRs he filed in connection with similar cases in the past.
Deputy CM takes note
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, Y Patton, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, said he had taken note of the safe release of the Head GB and expressed relief that the victim was now under medical care, while acknowledging the trauma he had endured.
He also placed on record his appreciation for the Nagaland Police for their swift and prompt action, stating that such intervention reflected the force’s commitment to public safety and a decisive response to violence and intimidation.
Patton reiterated that abduction and violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated, adding that authorities would proceed in accordance with established procedures as the situation develops. The government, he said, remains committed to ensuring accountability through lawful means.
WSYF demands thorough investigation
The WSYF also strongly condemned the abduction, terming it a grave provocation and a flagrant violation of ceasefire ground rules.
In a press statement, the WSYF categorically asserted that no grievance or cause could justify abduction, coercion or intimidation, describing such acts as ethically indefensible, socially corrosive and fundamentally anti-people.
“The moment civilians are targeted, all claims of principle, legitimacy or purpose stand completely discredited,” it added.
The Front further stated that the subsequent release of the victim did not mitigate the seriousness of the offence or absolve those responsible.
The organisation called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and release to ensure accountability.
It also called upon the Cease Fire Monitoring Board (CFMB) to act decisively, impartially and without delay, and to strictly enforce the ceasefire ground rules in both letter and spirit.
Any failure in this regard would severely undermine the credibility of the ceasefire mechanism and further erode public confidence in the peace process, it added.
Until such time, the WSYF advised Sümi youths to remain prepared and united in safeguarding the safety, dignity and interests of the community.
