Condemnation mounts over fatal police pursuit in Niuland

DIMAPUR — Condemnations continue to pour in even a day after Dimapur Police confirmed that 40-year-old Ngukavi Yeptho from Tokugha village, Niuland district, died in an accident during a police pursuit on July 25.

The police clarified that he was being pursued in connection with an abduction and assault case from July 22.

TVC: The Tokugha Village Council (TVC), the GBs, and the public condemned the incident, stating that it has not only devastated the victim’s family but also instilled fear and unrest in the Naga community in general.

“It is a fundamental right of every citizen to live without fear of violence, especially from those who are supposed to protect us and deliver justice. The actions of the enforcement agency in this case, which include running over the victim instead of apprehending him, are a gross violation of human rights and justice,” a statement issued by TVC read.

They urged the concerned authorities to take immediate and transparent action to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable, adding that the community seeks justice and demands that such heinous acts not be tolerated.

They also called for a review and reform of the practices and conduct of the enforcement agencies to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future, noting that trust between the public and law enforcement is crucial for the safety and harmony of Naga society.

Furthermore, it was urged that the village council, GBs, and the public be informed about the progress of the investigation and the steps being taken to ensure justice for Yeptho.

WSSU: In a separate statement, the Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) also condemned the incident, describing it as an act of malfeasance.

It endorsed the demands of the bereaved family, frontal organisations, and the community for swift justice for the victim through a fair investigation. It also urged the concerned authority to take necessary action against those who have taken the law into their own hands.

WSSU further conveyed its condolences and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

WSYF: The Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) meanwhile acknowledged the swift and immediate intervention of the police department in suspending personnel involved in the incident.

While lauding the department for its action, WSYF urged law enforcement agencies not to be complacent in bringing the matter to a just conclusion.

“The notion that this incident can be labelled as an accident is unacceptable and taking a precious life under any circumstances cannot be justified,” it said, adding that WSYF is also utterly disgusted by the news of abduction, robbery and sexual assault that has come to light.

Condemning “the reprehensible actions of the group of men who sexually assaulted a woman and robbed her and her friend of their belongings” on the night of July 22, it said that such acts are utterly abhorrent and have no place in any civilised society.

Stating that sexual violence is a grave and serious offence that leaves lasting trauma on victims and erodes the very fabric of society, it nevertheless noted that the truth about the alleged crime committed or caused to be committed by the deceased and his accomplices can be established only after the arrest of the absconding perpetrators and an impartial inquiry is conducted.

In this regard, the WSYF also directed all its units to assist law enforcement agencies in apprehending the absconding perpetrators.