Dimapur, August 4 (MExN): The Ao Senden, Nerhemia Dzevi Houzha (NDH), and Rising People’s Party (RPP) today joined others in condemning the alleged ‘capital punishment’ threat issued by the NSCN-K (Khango) against K Rülho, proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho.
In a statement, the Ao Senden noted that while Nagaland was enjoying a period of “deep quiet and peace,” free from internal conflicts and with people focused on a potential resolution to the long-standing Naga issue, it was suddenly jolted back into unrest by the recent event.
It further noted that the current calm and hopeful atmosphere should not be disrupted by any negative actions or conflicts. In this context, the Ao tribe's tribal body termed the “death penalty pronounced” on K Rülho and the diktat to all contractors under the purview of the AYO to immediately cease and demobilise their workforce and machinery currently deployed across other districts in Nagaland as “uncalled for and an act of uncivilised brutality and severity.”
Accordingly, the Ao Senden condemned these actions of the NSCN-K (Khango) in the strongest terms and called for the withdrawal of their “senseless death penalty and the stoppage of operations by all contractors under the purview of AYO in other districts.”
It also urged the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) and the NSCN-K (Khango) to address the problem at hand with due diligence and to reach an amicable solution without escalating it further. The Ao Senden further appealed to all Naga political groups and all sections of Naga society to adhere to the principles of peace, unity, empathy, and development as a common goal.
Meanwhile, condemning the actions, the RPP also accused the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party-Bharatiya Janata Party (NDPP-BJP) coalition in Nagaland of passing the buck to the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFMG/CFSB) on this issue. According to the party, the ‘elephant in the room’ is the State Government’s failure to uphold law and order, which is not the responsibility of the CFMG/CFSB.
The RPP also charged the government under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with implementing a policy of “equi-Closeness” with all factional groups since it first assumed power in 2003. It claimed that this policy led to the proliferation of several Naga political groups, while the Government of India took advantage by implementing its “Divide and Rule” policy. This, the RPP maintained, resulted in the growth of “factional groups” in the state—from barely 4-5 to 24 at present.
However, the RPP alleged that the State Government, known for avoiding responsibility, has once again passed the buck to the CFMG/CFSB. It reminded the Deputy Chief Minister that anti-social elements are not simply ‘requested’ to refrain from harmful activities—they must be arrested. The party argued that the political leadership in Nagaland continues to be unwilling to give the State Police a free hand to address such activities. “The State Police is more than capable of tackling the issue of extortion within a week, but today no organisation is willing to confront the State Government,” it added.
While appreciating the AYO's efforts, NDH, which includes Nerhema, Nerhe-Phezha, and Nerhe-Model village with its constituent units, expressed deep outrage over the issue. “This cowardly and reprehensible act of intimidation against a son of our village is not merely a personal attack but a direct challenge to the entire Nerhema community,” the NDH stated. It is thus the “bounden duty of our community to defend our son at any cost if any harm comes to him,” it added.
Even within the framework of legal law and justice designed to protect citizens, capital punishment, even for the worst crimes, is the most severe and irreversible harm, the NDH said. While intended to deliver justice and deter crime, it raises deep ethical concerns and highlights the extent of state power over life, it noted.
To this end, the NDH stated that issuing such threats without considering their severity demeans and insults the entire group that NSCN-K (Khango) represents. It further pointed out that in the matter of the Naga struggle for political independence, the Nerhema Village has made numerous sacrifices since its inception and stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment.
The NDH also noted that Rülho, a prominent businessman upon whom many families depend, has been recognised for his exemplary work, including a "Best Performance Contractor" award by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) during its 9th Inception Day on July 18, 2023.
Such an attack on a prominent figure underscores the vulnerability and challenges faced by those who significantly contribute to the community. Such actions not only disrupt personal security but also threaten the foundational values of respect and integrity crucial for the progress and cohesion of society, it added. Hence, the NDH conveyed its united, unwavering commitment to the AYO’s fight against such threats or any form of unlawful activities carried out by any group in the name of the Naga political struggle. “We anticipate all right-thinking citizens to join the movement to eliminate such reprehensible practices for the betterment of our community,” it added.
.jpg)
