Dimapur, November 13 (MExN): In a tragic case, a 32-year-old man in Nagaland’s Dimapur district died on November 11, two days after being brutally assaulted. The victim, Mhathung Lotha, was allegedly beaten by a group following an altercation on November 9. Following the report, several civil society organisations and students union have condemned the brutal incident.
DLSU: Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union (DLSU) firmly condemned the barbaric act stating ‘no reason or justification can validate such act of violence.’ The union stated that ‘no individual, group or organisation has the right to the law into their own hand’ and added that justice must be pursued through lawful and moral means, not through violence or intimidation. It further urged the competent authorities and concerned department to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
LMRSU: Lotha Middle Range Students’ Union (LMRSU) stated that this heinous act of violence was “unacceptable” and demanded justice stating that ‘the union will continue to stand with the victim's family and fight for justice until the perpetrators involved are held accountable.’ Furthermore, the LMRSU urged the law enforcement agencies to take immediate and strict action against the perpetrators involved and demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice without delay.
WSSU: Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU), condemning the incident said, “such heinous crimes are a grave concern to society at large.” It asked if we, as a people, have lost the moral and ethical values that have long defined us. At the same time, it has urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to take swift and stern action against the culprits and book them under relevant provisions of the Law.
WSYF: Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) stated “such brutality and disregard for human life have no place in a civilized society.” The WSYF demanded the district administration and law enforcement agencies take swift, firm, and decisive action against all individuals involved in this gruesome act, adding that ‘justice must not be delayed, and those responsible must be held accountable under the full extent of the law.’
WSH: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has urged the authorities to take immediate action to investigate the Burma Camp incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. It has appealed to all concerned not to view such incidents through tribal lines.
NTPRADAO: Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organisation has demanded that the culprits must be held accountable and the same punishment equivalent to the cold-blooded murder of November 9 should be delivered respectively, for justice.
WNS: Wise Nagaland Society (WNS) stated that ‘no individual has the right to impose any kind of fines’ and added that fines should only be from the court or from a legally recognized organisation because such acts were crime under Section 384 of IPC, extortion and Section 506 of IPC criminal intimidation. The society appealed to the DLSA, District Legal Services Authority and Social Welfare department to wave all kind of fees for the child’s school and college.
DLH: Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH) urged the law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and time bound investigation into the matter, adding that all individual responsible for this heinous crime must be brought to justice swiftly and transparently. It further expressed its sympathy and concern for Chonben and further called upon the authorities to ensure his safety and provide necessary medical and legal support during this difficult time.
DSH: Dimapur Sumi Hoho (DSH) condemning the incident stated ‘the incident has greatly disturbed the conscience of many Sumis’ and further appealed to the entire citizen not to view the tragic incident on communal lines. It urged the law enforcement agencies to deliver justice and take necessary action to all those involved in this senseless act.
WNYF: Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) reiterated that no justification can ever validate the torture, humiliation, and eventual death of a man. It maintained that it was evident that more people were involved, and the investigation remains incomplete. Furthermore, it added that the wife of the prime accused, who is at the root of the entire misunderstanding that led to this tragedy, must also be booked and investigated for her direct and indirect role in provoking and participating in the crime.
DDCF: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) condemned the actions of those involved in the crime, stating that such acts have no place in a civilized Naga society. The Forum further urged the competent authorities to take prompt and necessary action to ensure that all culprits are brought to justice under the relevant provisions of the law.
