Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 13
The Dimapur Police today released a "Wanted" notice for two individuals, including a Kilonser of the NSCN-K (Niki), accused of abducting two persons on October 10.
The notification, issued by Commissioner of Police (CP) Kevithuto Sophie, identified the first individual as Khevini T Yepthomi (50 years), a Kilonser under NSCN-K (Niki), currently residing in Padumphukhuri, Dimapur.
The second individual was identified as ‘Ilhovi @ Kimeyeto,’ designated as an accomplice of the Kilonser.
Both individuals are wanted in connection with Dimapur East Police Station Case No. 173/24 under Section 140 (2)/140 (3)/3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, it said.
Section 140 of the BNS deals with kidnapping or abduction with the intent to murder or for ransom and so on.
Accordingly, the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for any individual or organisation that provides information or assistance leading to the arrest of the individuals listed.
For any information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted persons, the CP's office has provided the contact numbers for five officers under the Commissionerate: CP Dimapur: 7085055001; DCP Dimapur: 7085055002; ADCP Dimapur: 7085055048; ACP Dimapur: 7085055010; and OC East PS Dimapur: 7085055020.
The identity of the informer/informers will not be disclosed at all cost, the police assured.
The notification came amid widespread condemnation over alleged abduction, and subsequent release, of two Naga entrepreneurs on October 10 allegedly by members of the NSCN-K (Niki).
Following this, On October 11, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) and the Diphupar Ao Youth Forum (DAYF) had called for review and stronger enforcement of the Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR) “curb extortion in the name of taxation and abduction for ransom by the” Naga Politcal Groups (NPGs) with impunity.
Interim Dimapur-based youth body formed
Meanwhile, after the expiry of initial deadline, a meeting of around 18 organisations issued a 48-hour ultimatum, effective from October 12, to the chairman of the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG), demanding the arrest of those responsible for the “abduction and extortion case” of October 10.
During a meeting at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, the house resolved to “immediately form an interim Dimapur-based youth Tribal body, until a full-fledged body is formed in in consultation with apex tribal bodies in Dimapur.
It also extended full support for the formation of a Nagaland-based youth organisation, as resolved during the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO)-led public rally “against unabated illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation, and death threats to common people” on August 6, 2024, in Kohima.
The October 12 meeting also demanded that the concerned authority install CCTV coverage in and around Dimapur, as well as the removal of designated camps from public areas at the earliest.
The house also unanimously supported the Naga Council Dimapur’s stance on “One Government, One Tax.”
Addressing the media after the meeting, a member stated that the issue was directed to the CFMG, as the ceasefire was signed between the Government of India and the concerned Naga Political Groups (NPGs), and the CFMG Chairman is the appropriate person to approach whenever there is a breach of the ground rules.
After the expiry of the 48-hour deadline, it was indicated that there would be a collective decision regarding the next course of action.
Meanwhile, according to sources, in addition to the ‘Wanted notification,’ there have been some developments on the issue, including meetings with top police officials and a further meeting scheduled for Monday.
Details regarding these developments are expected on Monday.
BAN demands immediate arrest
Meanwhile, stating that there is no “justification can excuse such an atrocious act,” and such action never provided any solutions but instead sown division and driven the state deeper into poverty, the BAN demanded immediate apprehension of those responsible for the October 12 kidnapping.
The ceasefire agreements have clear terms and conditions, and all parties involved must respect and uphold these agreements, it said, adding that any organisation that stepping outside the boundaries of such agreements is “fully responsible for the outcomes.
“If any arm that comes to the victim or to the leaders advocating for this cause will have serious repercussions for the entire Naga business community, and will have a far reaching consequences,” it added.
Further noting that it stands by rule of law and believe that “an incident on one is an incident on all,” the BAN stated that it expects the authorities responsible for the Cease Fire Monitoring and Supervision ensure to a conducive environment to healthy economic development and an early political settlement.
The BAN remains dedicated to promoting and supporting Naga entrepreneurs and businesses as we work to build a stronger state economy, it added.
