Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): One person was shot dead in Zunheboto by members of the NSCN/GPRN on Saturday at around 7:30 pm. According to reports received here, 25 year old Daniel Yeptho from Viyilho village, under Aghunato area was shot in the head and thigh by one “Sgt. Major” Vihuto from Viqhezhe village and “Private” Heroto from Ghoshito village. Both cadres were reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
Public demand strong action against culprits According to reports, the duo was “on the run” after an incident that took place at Tokiye town also under Aghunato area, where the cadres of the GPRN/NSCN numbering around 38 under the command of “Captain” Hokugha are camping. Sources said that the duo were on the run with weapons after Infighting broke out among the cadres. The cadres had earlier resorted to blank firing for around one and half hour, it is reported.
Sources said Daniel and two other friends were on their way from Viyilho to Tokiye after collecting firewood. The cadres reportedly stopped them on the way and asked for directions to Aghunato. After the boys give them directions, the cadres immediately shot dead Daniel at point blank range without rhyme or reason. His friends narrowly escaped by jumping into the nearby bushes.
A public rally was held in Zunheboto town today in protest of the incident. Around 10,000 people attended the rally organized by the Sumi Hoho and other Sumi frontal organisations. A press release from the Sumi Hoho Secretary Vihuto Assumi stated that the rally condemned the killing of Daniel Yeptho and the incident that took place at Tokiye Town and Viyilho Village. The public has demanded strong action against the said commander. The public is particularly angry because the deceased had lost his father and was the sole bread earner in his family.
The public has also strongly urged the GPRN/NSCN to hand over the accused “Sgt. Major” Vihuto and “Private” Heroto to the law enforcing agency immediately. It also urged all the warring groups not to shelter or protect the accused and whoever found doing so shall be held fully responsible. It also urge upon the GPRN/NSCN to extend ex gratia to the deceased family. Further, the public demanded that the law enforcing to immediately book the culprits and initiate action as per law.
Public demand strong action against culprits According to reports, the duo was “on the run” after an incident that took place at Tokiye town also under Aghunato area, where the cadres of the GPRN/NSCN numbering around 38 under the command of “Captain” Hokugha are camping. Sources said that the duo were on the run with weapons after Infighting broke out among the cadres. The cadres had earlier resorted to blank firing for around one and half hour, it is reported.
Sources said Daniel and two other friends were on their way from Viyilho to Tokiye after collecting firewood. The cadres reportedly stopped them on the way and asked for directions to Aghunato. After the boys give them directions, the cadres immediately shot dead Daniel at point blank range without rhyme or reason. His friends narrowly escaped by jumping into the nearby bushes.
A public rally was held in Zunheboto town today in protest of the incident. Around 10,000 people attended the rally organized by the Sumi Hoho and other Sumi frontal organisations. A press release from the Sumi Hoho Secretary Vihuto Assumi stated that the rally condemned the killing of Daniel Yeptho and the incident that took place at Tokiye Town and Viyilho Village. The public has demanded strong action against the said commander. The public is particularly angry because the deceased had lost his father and was the sole bread earner in his family.
The public has also strongly urged the GPRN/NSCN to hand over the accused “Sgt. Major” Vihuto and “Private” Heroto to the law enforcing agency immediately. It also urged all the warring groups not to shelter or protect the accused and whoever found doing so shall be held fully responsible. It also urge upon the GPRN/NSCN to extend ex gratia to the deceased family. Further, the public demanded that the law enforcing to immediately book the culprits and initiate action as per law.
GPRN/NSCN flays killing; says cadres are deserters
Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): GPRN/NSCN has expressed shock at the cold blooded murder of Daniel Yeptho, by two “deserters,” “Sgt.” Vihuto Sumi from Heqheshe Village UT I and “Private” Herato Sumi from Ghoshito Village UT I, on November 19 at Zunheboto. GPRN/NSCN (MIP) issued a statement saying “It is a painful reminder that rogue elements will always betray discipline and human values that GPRN/NSCN demands and insists from every national worker.” The GPRN/NSCN stated that the “Naga Army sends out touring patrols to Naga villages on a regular basis to interact and apprise the common people of the prevailing situations and to stay entrenched at the grass root level.”
“It was in one of such assignments at Tokiye town that “Sgt.” Vihuto and “Private” Herato decided to decamp with government arms,” the note added. It further informed that the two cadres were being closely observed for their suspicious movements and in the afternoon of November 19, they sneaked away from their comrades and soon the information was passed on to all units for immediate arrest and firing order issued by the commander in the event of hostile reception by the armed deserters, the MIP stated. “It is most likely that the two deserters met the victim on the road and sought the direction for their journey after which they killed him in cold blood,” it added.
The GPRN/NSCN has stated that there is no justification for gunning down an innocent public in cold blood; adding that they deserve highest punishment for betraying the cause and taking a precious life. It stated that the Naga Army has alerted all units and civil administration to apprehend the killers. It would be most unfortunate if any group or organisation were to shelter the deserters, it added.
GPRN/NSCN Naga Army, after the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation (COR), has strictly maintained a no-first-use of firearms in any situation, the note further asserted. Since the two killers had deserted the camp with arms, the standing order of the Naga Army of no-first-use failed to question their conscience. It is also appealed to Sumis in particular and Nagas in general that at a time when Naga Reconciliation Process is being keenly watched, there will always be elements who will attempt to drive a wedge between GPRN/NSCN and the Nagas. GPRN/NSCN stated it regrets the unfortunate loss of a precious life at the hands of reckless deserters and hopes that Nagas would adopt pro-active steps to root out such black sheep from the herd.
GPRN/NSCN conveyed its sincere condolence to the family, relatives and friends of late Daniel Yeptho and all those who feel he did not deserve to die so early.
Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): GPRN/NSCN has expressed shock at the cold blooded murder of Daniel Yeptho, by two “deserters,” “Sgt.” Vihuto Sumi from Heqheshe Village UT I and “Private” Herato Sumi from Ghoshito Village UT I, on November 19 at Zunheboto. GPRN/NSCN (MIP) issued a statement saying “It is a painful reminder that rogue elements will always betray discipline and human values that GPRN/NSCN demands and insists from every national worker.” The GPRN/NSCN stated that the “Naga Army sends out touring patrols to Naga villages on a regular basis to interact and apprise the common people of the prevailing situations and to stay entrenched at the grass root level.”
“It was in one of such assignments at Tokiye town that “Sgt.” Vihuto and “Private” Herato decided to decamp with government arms,” the note added. It further informed that the two cadres were being closely observed for their suspicious movements and in the afternoon of November 19, they sneaked away from their comrades and soon the information was passed on to all units for immediate arrest and firing order issued by the commander in the event of hostile reception by the armed deserters, the MIP stated. “It is most likely that the two deserters met the victim on the road and sought the direction for their journey after which they killed him in cold blood,” it added.
The GPRN/NSCN has stated that there is no justification for gunning down an innocent public in cold blood; adding that they deserve highest punishment for betraying the cause and taking a precious life. It stated that the Naga Army has alerted all units and civil administration to apprehend the killers. It would be most unfortunate if any group or organisation were to shelter the deserters, it added.
GPRN/NSCN Naga Army, after the signing of the Covenant of Reconciliation (COR), has strictly maintained a no-first-use of firearms in any situation, the note further asserted. Since the two killers had deserted the camp with arms, the standing order of the Naga Army of no-first-use failed to question their conscience. It is also appealed to Sumis in particular and Nagas in general that at a time when Naga Reconciliation Process is being keenly watched, there will always be elements who will attempt to drive a wedge between GPRN/NSCN and the Nagas. GPRN/NSCN stated it regrets the unfortunate loss of a precious life at the hands of reckless deserters and hopes that Nagas would adopt pro-active steps to root out such black sheep from the herd.
GPRN/NSCN conveyed its sincere condolence to the family, relatives and friends of late Daniel Yeptho and all those who feel he did not deserve to die so early.
