Dimapur, August 14 (MExN): The Yangzitong Village A&B Council has alleged that Ameto Awomi was ruthlessly tortured and murdered after keeping hostage for more than two months by the cadres of NNC. The decomposed body of Ameto was discovered on August 11, 2010 near Chedema Village after confession to the police by one “Shivito (lieutenant) of NNC” the council informed in a joint press release issued by Yangzitong A&B village chairman Akaho Yeptho, head GB Ihoto Sangtam and Yangzitong-B village head GB Khehuto Yeptho.
The council disclosed that despite repeated appeals to the NNC Government for safe release, Ameto was “mercilessly tortured and murdered by Shivito (lieutenant of NNC) and his accomplices.” The villagers along with the family members including civil societies and NGOs approached the authorities of NNC organization including “Phutoyi, Finance Kilonser, Midan Council, Tatar Hoho” and submitted an appeal letter for safe release of Ameto but on all occasions the officers out rightly denied any involvement in the abduction case, the release added. It further alleged that Phutoyi on 16/06/2010 even threatened to “arrest and keep captives of all the family members and the villagers” if they attempted to implicate any NNC cadres. Further, it disclosed that the dead body on post mortem shows that Ameto was murdered only 10 days ago after much tormenting and torture.
The council while stating it was “very shameful” on the part of Phutoyi to commit such crime and claim to be innocent, added that Phutoyi in a meeting on 16/06/10 said Ameto was a cadre under his organization who defected to NSCN with a small arm but was pardoned in good spirit and that the NNC Government has no arrest order for him. However, the council stated that if Phutoyi is really innocent and is a responsible officer of the Government he could have released Ameto when he discovered the truth and not allowed his sub-ordinates cadres to murder Ameto who was kept captive for more than 50 days and therefore “Phutoyi must hold the responsible in this ruthless murder of Ameto Awomi.”
The council also demands from the Government of NNC to hand over the other culprits to their Village Court where they will settle the case according to our customary law.
Meanwhile, the village council has applauded the job done by South Police Station, Kohima for their prudent investigation in unearthing and recovering the decomposed body of Ameto Awmoi.
Meanwhile, individuals, organisation and others have condemned the abduction and murder of Ameto Awomi.
MLA, 4 Ghaspani-I A/C, Y. Hewoto Awomi has expressed shocked to know that Ameto Awomi of Yezutu Village, who was abducted by some armed miscreants from Kohima, was brutally murdered and concealed in the jungle near Chedema Village. When all Nagas are striving for peace and reconciliation among all factions committing such heinous crime is totally disregard of the aspiration of the people and is despicable in our civilized society, the MLA added. Meanwhile, he also lauded the good job done by the team of South Police Station, Kohima in unearthing the crime and added the State Govt. should put on high alert for prevention of such crimes committing in the future especially in the heart of the capital city.
The Kiphire District Sumi Students Union (KDSSU) has strongly condemned the June 4 abduction and killing of Ameto Sema by NNC (Accordist) whose body was recovered on August 11, 2010. The Union in a condemnation note issued by its president Hokhevi and general secretary John Kinny has requested the higher authority of NNC to apprehend the culprits of Ameto who was also an executive member, Assistant Games Secretary of Y (B) VSU. KDSSU also appeal to FNR, civil societies, NGO to ‘cooperate for the better unity among the Nagas’ and prays to Almighty God for the departed soul to rest in peace.
