Kohima, January 22 (MExN): The Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) on January 22 directed the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) to hand over seven cadres identified as accused in the abduction and assault case registered at Diphupar Police Station, Chümoukedima.
The directive follows the January 19 incident in which a local businessman and village chief Kiyeto Zhimomi was allegedly abducted near his residence in Chümoukedima and later released in the wee hours of January 20.
It further triggered heightened security deployment and widespread condenation from the cross section of the society.
Meanwhile, as per the CFMG’s order, a criminal case has been registered under various Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with 7/88 NSR, following a preliminary police enquiry into the January 19 incident.
The accused have been identified as H Kiba, Lovito Yeptho, Viniho Kiho, Vika Chophy, Issak Rochill, Hukhevi Yeptho and Khuluto.
Of those, H Kiba, Lovito, Viniho and Vika were holders of Special Ceasefire Identity Cards, which have been cancelled with immediate effect, the order added.
It further stated that besides the seven named individuals, other cadres of the group whose names have appeared in media reports and are widely circulated are also subject to investigation.
The CFMG further impressed upon the Ceasefire Supervisory Board NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) to hand over the seven prime accused, suspected to be taking shelter at the CFSB office, Thilixu, to the police for further legal action.
It further directed that if any of the accused are outside the premises and evading arrest, they must immediately present themselves before the police for investigation.
The January 19 incident had led to a series of claims and counter-claims by the victim and the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) group.
Meanwhile, the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) and the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) also jointly served a 48-hour ultimatum to group over the issue.
The ultimatum demands included unconditional public apology via mainstream print and digital media; immediate surrender and arrest of all involved; retraction of alleged mediation claim; and shifting of ceasefire monitoring cell from Thilixu village citing violation of ground rules.
