NSCN (IM) acknowledges “shameful” act

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 23: On behalf of the NSCN/GPRN, Kilo Secretary, Q. Awomi has written to the President of the Sumi Hoho and Sumi Totimi Hoho acknowledging the “unfortunate” and “shameful” act of the Naga Army personnel on December 21 at Aghuito.  “In order to do justice, the competent authority has arrested the culprits and started interrogation. In addition to this, an inquiry committee has been constituted at cabinet level. It is assured that befitting punishment shall be awarded,” he wrote to the two presidents, following an emergency cabinet meeting held today.

Meanwhile, a press release from the MIP acknowledged “The unfortunate incident which happened on December 21 at Aghuyito where our three cadres without any directives and under the influence of alcohol have violated serious human rights, which is not in any manner justifiable nor condonable.”  Describing it as a “barbaric” act made with “sick mentality,” the NSCN (IM) maintained that this has “no place in the Naga society.” Seven passengers, including two women, on a taxi to Zunheboto were harassed and beaten by the three personnel on the night of December 21.  “We are deeply ashamed that our three cadres instead of playing the role of protectors became monsters and therefore we have taken actions accordingly. As per the Naga Army Act Rules & Regulations (NAARR) Chapter Viii articles 87 & 106 clauses i & ii, the three cadres namely, Sergeant Apam, corporal Mahori and private Ninoto of Zasibitou Battalion has been punished with rank demotion, rank retardation and they have been awarded with hard labour imprisonment,” informed the MIP.

Further, it stated that “We seek forgiveness and appeal the victims in particular and Naga people in general to pardon the actions of our three cadres whose irresponsibility and indiscipline has cost immense trouble and embarrassment to the government. This incident has made us re-introspect the evilness within us. We pray for an early recovery of the victims and pray that God will give them strength to forgive us.”

~MExN