Churches, tribal & CSOs political parties seek swift probe and justice
Dimapur, July 14 (MExN): The suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast on July 13 near the Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC) at Shokhuvi in Chümoukedima district, which claimed the life of an Assam Rifles personnel and injured four others, continued to draw unequivocal condemnation from across Nagaland.
While expressing shock, church bodies, tribal organisations, civil society groups, political parties and village institutions unanimously denounced the attack, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
They also called for a swift, impartial and thorough investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice.
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC): The NBCC described the blast as "a direct assault on the sanctity of human life, the peace of our society, and the values that bind us together as a people."
Stating that violence can never be a legitimate means of resolving differences or advancing any cause, it urged citizens to remain calm and reject fear, rumours or actions that may further disturb public harmony.
The NBCC also urged churches across Nagaland to pray for healing of the victims, wisdom for leaders and lasting peace in every community.
The council also called for a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation, stating that a accountability is essential not only to uphold justice but also to restore public confidence and prevent such incidents from recurring.
Naga Hoho: Condemning the attack as heinous, the Naga Hoho said there is no place for such perpetrators in a civilised world.
It reiterated that violence has no place in a peaceful society, urging all concerned to uphold peace and stability in the region.
Naga Council Dimapur (NCD): Condemning what it described as a blatant act of terrorism intended to spread fear among the people, the NCD said Nagaland was at a critical historical juncture where the majority longed for a better future during the prevailing ceasefire period.
It maintained that attempts to sabotage the state's socio-economic and political progress should be condemned by all and demanded that the perpetrators be investigated and brought to justice at the earliest.
Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) and Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH): The two organisations described the attack as "cowardly and heinous," stating that the use of a remote-controlled explosive device endangered not only security personnel but also innocent civilians.
The Hohos declared that violence and terror tactics will never achieve any constructive purpose but will only bring pain and instability to the state and appealed to law enforcement and security agencies to leave no stone unturned in conducting a swift and thorough investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The WSH and WSKH also called upon all to stand united against such ‘desperate acts’ of violence and continue upholding the ideals of peace, security, and harmony.
Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO): The CPO termed the incident a "dastardly act" and called for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.
Referring to the ceasefire agreements in Nagaland, it observed that all armed factions had honoured their provisions and said the possibility of the involvement of "outside elements" seeking to disrupt the state's peace and stability "cannot be ruled out."
It also expressed its willingness to extend all possible cooperation to the investigating authorities.
Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC): The CVC termed the attack as an attempt by "fringe elements" to derail the state's hard-won peace after decades of conflict.
It urged state and central investigative and security agencies to leave no stone unturned in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting those responsible through a swift, professional and intelligence-led investigation while safeguarding civilians.
“The people of the State stand united against terror; attempts to revive violence will fail against our collective resolve to protect peace and uphold justice,” it added.
Naga People's Front (NPF): The NPF condemned the "cowardly acts of violence" and termed the targeting of security forces as “unacceptable.”
The NPF urged the concerned authorities to launch an immediate and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible and to ensure justice without delay.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security for the people and reiterated its commitment to upholding peace, law and order in Nagaland.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC): The NPCC said such violence had no place in a democratic and peace-loving society and cautioned that it threatened the hard-earned peace and stability that the people of Nagaland had long sought to preserve.
It called for a thorough, impartial and time-bound investigation and appealed to citizens to remain calm, maintain communal harmony and cooperate with investigating agencies.
The people of Nagaland have consistently rejected violence as a means of resolving differences, it stated, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of peace, dialogue, democracy and the rule of law.
JD (U) Nagaland: The party unequivocally condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on the peace and stability of Nagaland and the wider North-East.
It urged investigating agencies to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law and reaffirmed its solidarity with the security forces and the people of the state.
