Konyak civil societies condemn custodial death of leader from NSCN (Akato) group

DIMAPUR — The Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs) have vehemently condemned the custodial death of Temzei Konyak, Chairman of NSCN (R)-Akato group for Konyak region, “presumably” in the custody of the NSCN (IM) cadres in Tizit on July 31.

“Irrespective of the case, no individual or group has any right to take the life of another. Even prisoners of war are entitled to humane treatment and are not subjected to custodial death. This is a cold-blooded murder and goes beyond the ethics and ethos of humanity in a civilised society,” read a joint statement from Konyak Union (KU), Konyak Nyupu Sheko Khong (KNSK), and Konyak Students’ Union (KSU).

“The NSCN (IM) should take responsibility for this heinous crime and ensure that the higher-ups initiate a fair investigation and that befitting justice is served at the earliest against the cadres involved in the custodial death of Late. Temzei Konyak,” it added.

It said the NSCN (IM) has violated the 2007 resolution of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to maintain a bloodshed-free region and that such inhumane acts will not be tolerated on Konyak soil.

“We urge all concerned parties to uphold the values of humanity and work towards maintaining peace and harmony in the region. We must collectively strive to ensure justice is served, and that such tragic incidents are not repeated in future,” it said. The Konyak CSOs also extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of the deceased.