Nagaland: GPRN/NSCN condemns killing of 3 persons at Lamhainamdi

Deeply saddened to learn about the cold blooded killing of three Zeliang brothers by unknown assailants, it says

Dimapur, March 24 (EMN): The GPRN/NSCN on Wednesday condemned the killing of three persons by unidentified armed miscreants at Lamhainamdi village in Nagaland’s Peren district on Monday.

“GPRN/NSCN under the leadership of Chairman Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak and Ato Kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi, is deeply saddened to learn about the cold blooded killing of three Zeliang brothers by unknown assailants on 22nd March 2021. The gruesome act is vehemently condemned by all rank and file of GPRN/NSCN,” read the press release issued by the group on Wednesday.

Denying any involvement, either civil or military workers, in the incident, the group said it is unfortunate to learn that some ‘leaders have expressed their views on the unfortunate loss of lives through tribal and factional angle’, accusing the GPRN/NSCN cadres of committing the act.

“This is totally uncalled for and a blatant attempt to tarnish the good relations between GPRN/NSCN and the Zeliangrong people,” it stated, adding that it is “the only Naga political group that understands and recognises the legitimate right of Zeliangrong people, be it in Nagaland, Manipur or Assam” and allows a representative from the community to attend all Indo-Naga political talks.

“It will be a mockery of the greater common Naga endeavour should an inter-village boundary dispute be allowed to spiral into a tribal and factional one-upmanship game,” read the press release.

“GPRN/NSCN mourns the untimely death of three Naga brothers at Lamhainamdi village and conveys deepest condolences to the families and community as a whole. May our God Almighty heal the wounded hearts of people and communities involved,” it added.

It may be mentioned that the deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Peren, and the police commissioner of Dimapur had issued Prohibitory Order under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1973 in the disputed area on Tuesday following the incident.

Home Minister Y Patton, who is also the deputy chief minister of Nagaland, had informed through a statement that the state government had taken cognisance of the issue and the police department had set up a special investigation team (SIT) headed by a senior police officer to probe the incident.

The three victims were laid to rest at Lamhainamdi village on Tuesday.