The picture released by the Dimapur police of the 7 accused, with their faces censored, in police custody.
NPGs appealed not to shelter criminals
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 22
The Dimapur police have arrested 7 individuals accused of involvement in the December 17 assault incident in Thahekhu village. Making the announcement on December 22, the Commissioner of Police, Kevithuto Sophie informed that 3 accused, absconding since the incident came to light, were arrested on December 22. “On the December 17th itself, we arrested three of the accused persons. On the 18th, we arrested another accused, and the remaining three, we arrested yesterday,” the CP said.
Their pictures, taken in police custody, were released but with their faces obscured. Three were said to be civilians and the remaining four, members of the NSCN/GPRN (Akato). Two weapons — one AK 47 assault rifle and one .32 pistol — used to threaten and confine the victims were also seized by the police.
The three civilians were identified as Khevito Yeptho (28 years), Itovi Yeptho (39 years) and Atoka Sumi (37 years). The NSCN/GPRN (Akato) members were identified as 2nd lieutenant Kakuho Achumi (26 years), Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ngade (45 years), Lieutenant Lumtsaba Sangtam (30 years), and Lieutenant Hollivi Yeptho (34 years).
Six of the accused were residents of Thahekhu village and the seventh was a resident of Chümoukedima.
The CP did not specify who but two of the cadre allegedly tried to join another Naga Political Group (NPG) to evade arrest. He said, “We were successful in preventing that and were able to arrest them.”
He appealed the NPGs not to shelter or admit criminals into their folds. “There have been instances where people commit crimes and then join some Naga political groups in order to take shelter and refuge. A crime is a crime. A criminal is a criminal, whether you are a civilian or whether you belong to any organisation or any group. Criminals should not be given protection by any organisation or group,” he said.
With regard to the trend of civil organisations in Nagaland issuing ‘ultimatum’ or deadlines to the government and its agencies, he said that it is not only irrational and irresponsible, but also discouraging for the police. While admitting that the police are required to act in a timely manner, he said, “It sometimes becomes very disheartening when we are giving our best, but still organisations or individuals are giving us ultimatums.”
When the case came to light, the police were accused of reluctance to register a case. As the investigation progressed, were further accused of withholding information and trying to protect the identity of the Ato Kilonser of the NSCN/GPRN (Akato) in whose residence the assault illegal confinement of the victims occurred. The CP however justified the initial withholding of details. According to him, investigation protocol dictates that the police have to first ascertain facts before registering a complaint, and refrains from going public with details that would compromise investigation.
He acknowledged the role of civil society organisations that aided in nabbing of the accused. He especially made mention of the Thahekhu Village Council.
As told by the CP, the incident occurred on the intervening night of December 16-17. There was a collision between a scooty and a Maruti Alto at the Nyamo Lotha Road that led to an altercation between the two parties. “We cannot say who was right or who was wrong,” he said, adding that the two individuals on the scooty demanded that the scooty be repaired. They reportedly told the two individuals in the car that they will take custody of the car till the scooty was repaired.
Meanwhile, the scooty riders called two of their friends, who happened to be members of the NSCN/GPRN (Akato). The car occupants were then taken to a certain house in Thahekhu. While in Thahekhu, the car occupants called some of their friends further resulting in a series of verbal exchanges with the scooty riders and their friends, and the subsequent confinement and assault of the victims.
TYUD
The Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) commended what it said was “swift action” of the police to arrest the 7 accused. It said that the police demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and efficiency, under immense pressure, in apprehending the perpetrators.
