Dimapur, May 12 (MExN): Following the alleged assault on a 17-year old and his brother in Chümoukedima on May 6, various organizations have condemned the incident and demanded that law enforcing agencies investigate the matter and punish the culprits.
KAAM: The Kiphire Alongshung Atparü Mülung (KAAM) while condemning the incident stated that such ‘savagery’ in the society is disheartening. It questioned the ‘might is right’ approach taken by the alleged assailants while adding that there are enough law enforcing personnel to keep a check on the curfew without civilians having to do the same.
The KAAM further sought ‘rational justification’ on the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the victim.
ENPUD: The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur (ENPUD) strongly condemned the incident and stated that “there is no place for such a crime in a civilized society.”
It stated that seeking “unconditional apology without giving befitting punishment to the culprit is simply a mockery” and questioned how long the “trend of violence” would continue in the Naga society.
CSUD: The Chang Students' Union Dimapur (CSUD) meanwhile stated that the alleged act of assault was intolerable and a matter of concern for humanity.
It strongly appealed the law enforcing agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and urged for stringent action as per relevant provisions of law. It also wished the victim a speedy recovery.
PUKT: The Phelungre Union Kiphire Town (PUKT) while condemning the incident stated that such acts of vigilantism “has no place in Naga culture nor is it a customary practice of the Nagas.”
It sought a clarification as to “who authorized the CVYS to perform COVID-19 related duties” despite the existence of respective district task forces to enforce the SOPs. It also stated that “the character of John Tsulise Sangtam was brutally maligned,” and attested that Sangtam was “an upright and honest officer having served the Government under various capacities.”
Further, it also pointed out that though “the matter was ‘deemed amicably settled’ backed by accounts of multiple witnesses to the incident,” no such independent witnesses were found mentioned in the supposed copy of the undertaking that was signed on the night of the incident. As such, the PUKT urged the concerned authorities to “investigate the matter impartially for an unbiased and factual representation of the issue.”
It meanwhile extended solidarity with John Tsulise Sangtam and his family and prayed for the speedy recovery of Alex Lotsangkhyong.
