Dimapur, March 19 (MExN): The Kulolau Yemishe Ghami Kuqhakulu (KYGK) has sought a clarification from the NSCN (R) regarding the reinstatement of Khekato Kinimi who it said, was the ‘prime accused’ in the murder of Major Toishe Yepthomi of NSCN (IM).
In a press release issued by the KYGK President Vihoshe Sema and Secretary Ayeho Z Ayemi, the organization questioned the NSCN (R) President if he and Khekato Kinimi had collaborated to commit the crime while stating that the, “KYGK has every right to question the motive of NSCN (R) president as the prime accused Khekato Kinimi, who is believed to be absconding and still not arrested by the law enforcing agencies, was taken back into the NSCN (R) organization by the President after being communicated to KYGK that he was terminated”
It also questioned the law enforcing agencies and the Government over the delay in arrest of the accused Khekato Kinimi even after 3 years since the case was registered against him. “KYGK appeals to the law enforcing agencies to spell out the problems or hurdles being faced by the Police in causing the delay over the arrest of the murder accused and also state if the accused is under protection from any provisions of the law,” the release stated.
Further, the KYGK stated that it had submitted a representation to the Commissioner of Police Dimapur on September 2, 2019 with regard to the case. “However, till date, no positive action has been taken in this regard and therefore KYGK appeal to the Government and the law enforcing agencies to settle the case within 15 days from the publication of this press release,” it stated while cautioning that it would resort to any form of democratic objection to voice its displeasure over the delay in justice.
NSCN (R) responds
The office of the NSCN (R) President meanwhile responded with a statement asserting that the NSCN (R) “is in no way interested in a particular individual nor would we be a shield to any person involved in a criminal act.”
In this regard, a press statement issued by the PA to the President stated that late Maj Toishe Yeptho of the NSCN (IM) was killed by ‘unknown assailants,’ following which Khekato Kinimi was also attacked by NSCM (IM) cadres. “Killing of any individual from any of the faction is never an achievement and more so at the time when all the Naga people across the Naga inhabitated areas are prayerfully looking for an early solution,” the statement read.
It further stated that the NSCN (R) had condemned the killing and on suspicion of his involvement, Khekato Kinimi was immediately expelled “to allow free hand to the law enforcing agency to probe the matter.”
However, “After a span of more than a year and half, it was revealed to us through a confessional statement of the accused who are now behind bars, that Khekato Kinimi was nowhere involved in the killing of late Maj Toishe Yeptho. In the absence of any convincing evidence of his involvement, we came to a conclusion that his expulsion was unnecessary and therefore revoked and reinstated him,” the statement read.
It further stated that the confessional statements of the accused are available in the office of the President and requested the leaders of Yemishe village to avail copies within the next 10 days.
