Dimapur, April 19 (MExN): The NSCN-IM has been issued by various civil organizations a 7-day deadline to submit an action report on the April 17-18 torture and the subsequent death, of one youth in Dimapur. Two of the deceased’s friends who were also assaulted by the cadres are currently recuperating under medical treatment.
The youth, Vilasilie Angami, aged around 27 years, died due to severe injuries inflicted on him by one “Maj” Meide along with two other cadres at Bade village. Vilasilie was taken into “custody” with two of his friends over a quarrel the three had with a person, around Sunday late evening. The person, identified to be one Chacko Romeo, reported to the NSCN-IM cadres against Vilasilie and his friends, leading to the incident. The “reporter” is said to be missing since the uproar and concerns are being raised by organizations over his welfare.
According to officials from the Chakhroma Public Organization, the “Defense” Kilonser of the NSCN-IM, Zarsie Pochury, has assured punishment to the three erring cadres. The organizations led by the CPO demanded that investigations should be undertaken and the action-taken report should be submitted within 7 days with immediate effect. A CPO official said that the demand has been accepted with the assurance that the three cadres would be awarded befitting punishment. The official also informed that initially the NSCN-IM authorities had decided only on termination of “Maj” Meide’s “service.” However, following the rejection of this decision and intense pressure from the aggrieved and the public, the NSCN-IM assured that all culpable cadres would face appropriate action.
The Naga Council Dimapur, the Western Sumi Hoho and the Chakhesang Hoho Dimapur and other likened civil organizations also expressed solidarity and support to the demands, the official informed.
Mention may be made here that throughout April 18, various civil organizations and public from Selouphe and neighboring villages had set up a road-blockade of the road leading to the NSCN-IM’s HQ, Hebron Camp. The body of Vilasilie was placed on the road by the angry public demanding that the cadres be produced to the public. Until and unless the culprits are produced, the body was not to be shifted or buried. However around late night, the NSCN-IM authorities acceded to the public’s demands after which the deceased was taken to his native village, Razuphema, under Dhansiri Sub-division, for burial.
The deceased’s two friends who were also tortured are identified as one Menguzetuo of Seluophe village and Pelesavi of Chiechama village. Both are undergoing medical treatment. The deceased died of his injuries on way to Dimapur after being released on a “compromise” reached between the victims’ parents and the NSCN-IM, it was informed.
Meanwhile, the organizations have expressed expectation that the NSCN-IM would put to action their assurances that the erring cadres would be awarded appropriate punishment within the 7-day dateline.
