Dimapur: The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has expressed deep concern over a violent incident in Naukhuti Town, Assam, where a pastor was reportedly assaulted by a cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Khango) faction. The incident, which took place on August 24, 2024, involved a physical attack on Mr. Rhanlamo Kikon, pastor of Yanpha Baptist Church.
“It has come to the attention of the office that Akhekevi, son of Ahovi from Kiyezhu B village, a cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Khango) faction, brutally assaulted Mr. Rhanlamo Kikon, pastor of Yanpha Baptist Church,” read a statement from the LSU on Sunday.
The statement describes the attack as “deliberate and premeditated,” involving a point-blank pistol firing with the apparent intent to murder, without any clear reason.
The LSU strongly condemned the act, calling it “abhorrent” and a violation of the pastor’s fundamental rights and dignity. “Every individual deserves to live in an environment free from fear, exploitation, and harm,” the LSU stated, emphasizing the gravity of the incident.
The union demanded immediate action against the perpetrator and urged authorities to ensure justice. “The Lotha Students’ Union demands that the concerned authorities take the issue seriously and deliver a fitting punishment to the culprit at the earliest,” the statement added.
Additionally, the LSU called on the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) faction to disown individuals who engage in such acts of violence, labeling them “unpatriotic and mentally ill Anti-Naga individuals.” The union urged the faction to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future, warning that failure to do so could lead to a non-cooperation movement against the faction.
“The LSU fervently denounces this despicable act, which has no place in a civilized society,” the union declared, expressing solidarity with Pastor Kikon and his family during this challenging time. The LSU also called on all concerned and right-thinking citizens to join in condemning the incident and demanding accountability from those responsible.
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In response to the attack, the Yanpha Village Council and Yanpha Baptist Church have filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Niuland Police Station. The FIR names Akhekevi, a resident of Kiyezhu village and a cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Khango) faction, as the perpetrator. The complaint alleges that the assault occurred around 4 PM on August 24 in Naukhuti Town and that it was carried out without any reason.
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