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DIMAPUR — In yet another case of assault on civilians by the Naga political groups, the Lotha Students' Union (LSU) has condemned the Aug. 24 incident at Naukhuti town along the Assam-Nagaland border, where a pastor was fired at by a cadre belonging to the NSCN (Khango).
In a condemnation note, the LSU said that the cadre identified as Akhekevi, son of Ahovi of Kiyezhu ‘B’ village “brutally assaulted” Rhanlamo Kikon, pastor of Yanpha Baptist Church, “with deliberate and premeditated attack involving a point-blank pistol firing with the explicit intent to murder,” without any definite reason.
“The LSU vehemently condemns such abhorrent act, which not only violates the fundamental rights and dignity of the victim but also reflects a grave disregard for the well-being of a spiritual leader.
“For, every individual deserves to live in an environment free from fear, exploitation, and harm, and any form of abuse against one is utterly reprehensive,” the union said.
The union demanded the concerned authorities to take serious note of the incident and award a befitting punishment to the culprit at the earliest. Additionally, measures must be put in place to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, it stated.
The LSU also appealed to the NSCN (Khango) not to enroll such “unpatriotic and mentally ill anti-Naga individuals” who indulge in acts of terrorism.
Further, the union cautioned that in the vent of the NSCN (Khango) failing to condemn the “barbaric act” and take appropriate measure, then the LSU would be compelled to initiate “non-cooperation” against the group.
“The LSU also urge all right-thinking citizens to join us in condemning this atrocity and demand accountability from those responsible,” it added.
The NSCN (Khango) has informed that, as per the order (Ahza) from the office of its western command, Naga Army, disciplinary action against ‘Pvt.’ Akhekivi for deviating from the norms of ‘Naga Army Rules and Regulations’ has been put into immediate effect.
In a press statement, the NSCN (Khango) admitted that the conduct of its cadre “harming and endangering the very people that we vowed to protect” was unbecoming of a ‘Naga Army’ cadre.
Informing that the cadre has been from terminated “active national service,” the NSCN (Khango) further said that the group should not be held responsible for any untoward incident in this connection, whatsoever in the near future.