Dimapur, August 17 (MExN): The NSCN-IM, Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) and Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) have condemned the alleged murder of ‘Major’ Toishe Yeptho, a senior NSCN-IM functionary. The latter was shot dead by an unidentified masked gunman inside his residence at Unity colony, Purana Bazaar on August 16.
The NSCN-IM in a press release issued by its MIP Cell stated that the Nagas in general and the NSCN-IM in particular is “shocked” at the act of killing of Toishe, when the Nagas are still in an upbeat mood, having just celebrated the 73rd Naga Independence Day across the State.
“Wicked are the enemies when they choose to strike at the time when the Nagas were at the threshold of making a deal with the Government of India to end the seven decades of Naga political struggle,” it stated.
It held that the NSCN- IM condemns such a manner of “cowardice” by the killers “in the strongest term.”
It mentioned that Late Toishe left behind a record of having given his best in the service of the Naga Nation. “His name shall be recorded in the pages of the Naga history,” it added.
The NSCN-IM further shared the sorrow and grief of the bereaved family and prayed to God to give them strength and courage and also prayed for the bereaved soul to rest in peace.
Meanwhile, the CNTC in a press release issued by its Media Cell demanded that whoever is responsible for such kind of “abominable” act, should be condemned by all and “severely punished.”
“This type of horrendous act upon one’s own brothers brings only doom and curse to the society,” it said.
The Council stated that in a time when every Nagas are craving for peace, such “inhumane” killing of a person sows only seeds of “hatred and bitterness” amongst the society.
“It is time we Nagas shed the practice of killing and annihilating in our midst and stand united for peace, progress and prosperity in our land,” it appealed.
The CNTC demanded the authorities to properly investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice and appealed for every groups and factions to maintain peace and harmony.
The Council further expressed their sadness and condolences to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, in press release issued jointly by the President and the General Secretary, the NGBF expressed “shock” and “resentment” and condemned such “cowardly act” of “killing in cold blood.”
It stated that it is “regretful” that in spite of frequent appeals from all the organizations/section of societies to maintain peace and harmony as our Naga Political issue is at crossroad, such “such heinous crime could be carried out at this juncture”
The NGBF held that such attempt could be considered as an “act of betrayal, to jeopardize and derail the peace process.” It urged the concerned authorities to investigate thoroughly and book the culprit immediately and further conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.
