Dimapur: Several prominent Naga youth organizations, including the Diphupahar Ao Youth Forum (DAYF), Diphupahar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO), Business Association of Nagas (BAN), Foothill Ao Youth Organisation, Chumukedima Ao Youth Front (CAYF), and Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO), have issued a stern warning of potential action if the culprits involved in the recent Diphupar abduction case are not apprehended within a 48-hour deadline that ends at 4 p.m. on October 12.
The organizations held a press conference on the evening of October 11 at the Ao Youth Forum office in Diphupar, following an emergency joint meeting. The press meet was in response to the abduction of two members of their community on October 10, allegedly by the NSCN-K (Niki) faction. The victims were released later that evening, and their vehicle and belongings were recovered by the police.
DAYF filed an FIR at East Police Station, Dimapur, and set the 4 p.m. deadline for law enforcement to take action.
Akum Jamir, convenor of BAN’s Grievances Cell, expressed frustration over the challenges faced by the police. “Many times, the police find it difficult to act because they cannot enter designated camps due to restrictions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),” Jamir said. He appealed for support from Naga youths and various organizations, stating, “We will inform you tomorrow about the time and place to meet if the culprits are not caught. We will then discuss the next course of action.”
In a direct message to the Ceasefire Monitoring Group chairman, Jamir warned that the chairman would be held accountable if the police failed to apprehend the culprits. “If the public takes its own course of action, the chairman will be responsible,” he said.
DAYO President Tiatemsu highlighted the violation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules in the abduction case. “The ground rules clearly state that cadres should remain within their designated camps, yet the culprits were outside when they abducted the victims,” he said. Tiatemsu also pointed out that the rules prohibit extortion, forceful money collection, and intimidation, all of which occurred in this incident. “The ground rules have been breached, and those responsible must face appropriate punishment under the law,” he added.
The organizations stressed that this issue affects not only one community but all citizens of Nagaland, particularly the business community in Dimapur. “Enough is enough. The public will no longer be mute spectators,” Tiatemsu declared. “We have asked our members to be prepared for any eventualities once the deadline ends.”
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