Says DNSU response shifts focus from central issue raised
Dimapur, May 12 (MExN): The Churches Colony Council (CCC) has reiterated that forceful closure of establishments, intimidation, and unilateral enforcement actions by organisations without legal authority are “unlawful and unacceptable,” while maintaining that the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), in its recent rejoinder, shifted attention away from the central issue raised by the Council.
In a detailed response to the DNSU’s rejoinder to its earlier statement on the issue, the Council said it was “unfortunate and deeply concerning” that instead of addressing the substantive issue raised by the CCC, the student body allegedly diverted public discourse from what it termed the “dangerous normalisation” of unilateral enforcement, coercive action, intimidation, and forceful closure of establishments by organisations lacking lawful enforcement authority.
The Council clarified that its concern was never about whether issues could be raised, stating that every organisation and citizen has the democratic right to question irregularities and demand accountability. The real issue, it asserted, is whether any organisation—regardless of its intentions or public support—can assume powers of investigation, adjudication, and enforcement outside the framework of law.
“Public legitimacy cannot substitute legal authority,” the Council maintained.
The CCC further alleged that the DNSU repeatedly sought to portray criticism of its methods as opposition to indigenous interests, which it termed misleading and irresponsible.
At the same time, the Council clarified that it fully recognises the importance of protecting indigenous rights and addressing legitimate concerns relating to fraudulent indigenous certification, unlawful land procurement, business malpractice, or public exploitation.
However, it maintained that questioning the manner in which an action was carried out does not amount to defending alleged irregularities. It also categorically stated that it neither defended nor intends to defend any individual, business establishment, or alleged malpractice, adding that if violations exist, competent authorities must investigate and act strictly in accordance with the law.
The Council further stated that recent administrative action in the widely discussed indigenous certificate issue involving Nirmal Jain demonstrates that legitimate grievances can be addressed through due legal and institutional processes. Such developments, it said, reinforce its stand that lawful mechanisms remain effective and relevant when matters are pursued responsibly.
According to the CCC, democratic rights to question irregularities and seek justice cannot extend to taking the law into one’s own hands. It cautioned that attempts to justify forceful actions on the basis of public sentiment or moral conviction set dangerous precedents that should not be normalised.
The Council also termed certain remarks in the DNSU rejoinder as regrettable, particularly suggestions that organisations questioning such actions were “shielding malpractice” or “interfering for publicity.” It maintained that institutions should be judged not by the intensity of their reactions, but by their commitment to restraint, responsibility, and lawful conduct, even in emotionally charged situations.
Reiterating its stand, the CCC stated that no organisation, regardless of popularity or intent, is above due process and the rule of law, while adding that genuine indigenous concerns and public grievances deserve serious attention and lawful investigation.
Calling for restraint, responsibility, and institutional maturity, the Council urged all organisations and civil society bodies to pursue legitimate causes within established legal and constitutional boundaries to safeguard public order, justice, and social harmony.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of indigenous rights, lawful governance, peaceful coexistence, and the preservation of public order within its jurisdiction.
