• Reiterates any act of threat or coercion ‘criminal offenses’
• Says matter taken Up with Ceasefire Monitoring Group
• Dy CM urges NPGs to ‘refrain from acts’ against the law of the land
Kohima, August 3 (MExN): With the reported issuance of a recent ‘capital punishment’ order upon a contractor by a Naga political group (NPG) causing outrage from several quarters, the Government of Nagaland finally broke its silence, with the state government spokesperson as well as the Deputy Chief Minister issuing statements on the issue.
The state government has taken notice of the ‘death threats and capital punishment’ issued to K Rülho, proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho, by the GPRN/NSCN-K (Khango), stated Government spokesperson and Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, .
He further informed that an FIR (First Information Report) was registered against the GPRN/NSCN (Khango) and its functionaries under appropriate sections of law for the alleged crime.
Kenye pointed out that the State Government had previously made it clear, in response to the “shutter-down” initiated by the business community of Nagaland in April 2024, that “any acts of threat or coercion, whether by factions in ceasefire or otherwise, are criminal offences and will be dealt with according to the law.”
The State Government reiterated the same and will ensure peace and tranquillity in Nagaland, which is essential for economic development and prosperity, he added.
As per the State DIPR, Kenye further informed that the State Government has also taken up the matter with the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Ceasefire Supervisory Board to ensure that the GPRN/NSCN (Khango) and NPGs “adhere strictly to the ground rules of the ceasefire.”
Likewise, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Patton, also noted that the State Government has “vehemently” condemned the recent sequence of events pertaining to the ‘capital punishment’ issue.
A press release from the Dy CM's office informed that the incident initially came to light when the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) held a press conference over the issue.
Consequently, the Nagaland Police have registered an FIR under appropriate sections of law, he said.
Echoing the State Government spokesperson, it further noted that strict directions were issued, in April, to the police and district administration to ensure the safety and security of the business community and to enable a conducive business environment in Nagaland.
The State Government has prioritised instilling confidence in the business community by ensuring that communication lines are open 24×7 for reporting instances of violations of the law, he added.
In this connection, while the law takes its own course, Patton requested the various NPGs (most of which are in truce with the Government of India) to refrain from acts which are against the law of the land to maintain peace and tranquillity in Nagaland and to provide a conducive environment for the development and growth of businesses and individuals.
During a press conference on July 27, the AYO had alleged that a functionary of GPRN/NSCN (Khango) on July 20 “demanded tax from the proprietor of KKB Rülho, threatening him with ‘capital punishment’ if he failed to comply within 15 days.”
Consequently, following an emergency meeting of its Presidential Council in Kohima on July 27, the AYO announced “non-cooperation” with the NSCN-K (Khango) in the entire Angami territory.
The threat of ‘capital punishment,’ thereafter, had been denounced by several quarters.
Meanwhile on July 30, the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) in a statement claimed that it had shown “considerable patience over the past two years” to KBB, which they claimed has only contributed Rs 5 lakh for five projects.
Thereafter, all communication ceased, and numerous attempts to resolve the matter have been met with resistance, it maintained.
It further claimed that the contractor not only questioned the “integrity" of the NSCN-K (Khango) but also “provocatively challenged the government” to take any action it deemed necessary against his non-cooperation.
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