Dimapur: The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has strongly condemned operatives of the NSCN (Khango) faction, alleging their involvement in a case of intimidation, assault, and extortion targeting a young couple and their younger siblings.
In a statement, the WNYF said the victims, members of the Chang and Sangtam communities and bona fide members of the Eastern Naga People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD), were allegedly manhandled and forced to sign a bond under duress, agreeing to pay a fine of ₹3 lakh. According to the group, the couple was also robbed of their personal savings during the incident, which took place at their residence.
“Such lawless acts, carried out without due process or justification, amount to nothing short of criminal extortion and human rights violations,” the statement said.
Providing further details, the WNYF noted that the female victim is a legitimate customer care executive for eBay, a fact reportedly confirmed by the police. The youth front said she was wrongfully targeted based on unfounded suspicions.
The group emphasised that with the rise of remote work and digital employment in the post-COVID era, many young Nagas have taken up online jobs and should be supported, not harassed.
“In today’s digital era, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, many of our youth have embraced online jobs and work-from-home roles to build an honest livelihood. Instead of being supported or encouraged, this young woman was harassed and robbed—a disgraceful reflection of how far we have strayed from the values we claim to uphold,” the WNYF stated.
It condemned “in the strongest possible terms this act of violence and psychological terror,” asserting that such actions breach the principles of justice and dignity and go against the spirit of the Naga struggle, which it said is founded on truth, self-respect, and unity.
Calling on civil society organizations, human rights bodies, and concerned citizens, the WNYF urged a collective stand against “behaviour that exploits our own people under the guise of authority.”
The Front also appealed to the Ceasefire Monitoring Group and law enforcement agencies to take immediate cognizance of the incident and ensure the safety and justice of the victims.
“The time has come for us to speak not only against illegal taxation but also against the misuse of power by any group that claims to represent the Naga cause yet acts in ways that divide, intimidate, and oppress,” the statement read.
The WNYF extended its solidarity to both the Chang Union Dimapur and ENPUD, affirming its support for their pursuit of justice.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the NSCN (Khango) group.
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