DNSU submits memo to Nagaland Home Minister
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 2 (MExN): The father of late Akivito A Sumi, the victim of an assault on December 28, has appealed to investigating authorities to take proper action. “I expect the law enforcing agencies to take its course of action in proper time”, he said while speaking to The Morung Express.
On December 28, Akivito was assaulted by a group of people in Dimapur. He succumbed to head injuries and passed away on December 30 at a Hospital in Guwahati.
Dimapur Police informed that one person was arrested on December 30, in connection with the case and that further investigation is ongoing. Police have in possession footage of the incident, acquired from a cctv installed near the site. Stating that the footage is not clear; Police informed that it shows the victim’s brother being assaulted by one person with a brick, while the victim is lying on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Dimapur Naga Students Union has submitted a memorandum to the Nagaland Home Minister, apprising him of the incident. The victim was a bonafide member of the DNSU and a class 10 student of Christian Higher Secondary School.
DNSU in the memo informed that on the night of December 28, the victim along with his brother and cousin went for a walk, when they found “another cousin in a scuffle with a group of people.”
DNSU informed that “together they chased those people inside the market, where they lost them.” However, as they walked around the market, the memo said that a person “who claimed to be a member of the NSCN stopped them and reprimand them.” “They apologized and tried leaving the place but were not allowed to leave,” it added.
It stated that even after explaining the incident and apologizing, “the alleged NSCN member went on shouting at them,” at which point, the victim’s cousin “exchanged rage with the person.” The DNSU then said that a compromise was reached and that the four headed towards home.
However, as they were returning home, it stated that the other person “came back with a large group of people and chased them.” While Akivito’s brother and another cousin managed to reach home safely, he along with his cousin were “caught at the schoolgate and were beaten mercilessly with bricks.”
In the light this, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union has put forward a four point demand, strongly urging the Nagaland state government to deliver justice to the victim at the earliest. The DNSU stated that it will take up all democratic means to see that the demands are met and that it will “act maturely in order to avoid any untoward incident which might erupt owing to failure” to meet its demands.
NSF condemns
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned the incident; which it said was “purportedly instigated by some non-locals.”
A press note from the NSF President stated that the federation “can no longer remain silent to such inhuman acts perpetrated on Nagas and also the sinister designs of non locals…” Stating that this is “yet another incident of non-local highhandedness on indigenous Nagas,” it added that “we cannot deny this incident could be the last.” “Unless we Nagas realize and take concrete measures on influx of non-locals and illegal immigrants, within few years, these people will completely dominate the Nagas,” it added. The NSF iterated that “there were incidents in the past where the non locals came out openly challenging the Nagas and today they have the courage to decide the fate of our own brothers and sisters.”
It urged that law enforcing agencies to book all culprits involved in the crime and award befitting punishment without fear or favor. The NSF further extended condolences to the victim’s family.
