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DIMAPUR — The Lotha Baptist Church Association (LBCA) has expressed shock at the alleged brutal assault and attempted murder of Pastor Rhanlamo Kikon of Yanpha Baptist Church.
The incident was reportedly perpetrated by one Akhekevi of Kiyezhu ‘B’ village, a cadre of the NSCN-K (Khango), in Naukhuti town on August 24.
In a condemnation note, the council said that the action of the cadre was not only barbaric but also heinous, which needs condemnation by all.
It further stated that, considering the series of threats, assaults, extortion, and attempts to murder that Naga society has been witnessing in recent months, it questioned how the citizens of Nagaland will survive if these trends continue.
Citing that even the religious community is not exempt from the brutal actions of these individuals, the LBCA also questioned how much worse the situation will be for the general populace of Nagaland.
The LBCA noted that the matter has gone out of hand and the time has come for the people of Nagaland to think twice and bring about a lasting solution that will ensure safety, security and the future of the younger generation.
While appreciating the faction for terminating the cadre from his service, it said that the law still has to take its own course of action, and therefore, the LBCA appealed to the law-enforcing agencies to book the culprit at the earliest and initiate befitting action against the culprit at the earliest possible time.
The LBCA also appealed to all right-thinking citizens of Nagaland to come forward and condemn the barbaric and heinous actions of the cadre, spreading the message across Nagaland that such behaviour by any group or individual is unacceptable in a decent society.
Ralan Area Lotha Hoho: The Ralan Area Lotha Hoho (RALH) also condemned the alleged assault and attempted murder of the pastor of Yanpha Baptist Church and a bona fide citizen of the Ralan area.
In a condemnation note, RALH stated that the Yanpha Village Council reported the incident immediately to the concerned authority for appropriate and immediate action. However, it appears that 'even after the expiry of the timeline for the council's demand, no positive response from the said authority is visible'.
Stating that such intimidation, threats, physical assaults, and harassment of innocent civilians are regularly perpetrated by “so-called national workers” and unscrupulous individuals, the note criticised the government for appearing to remain a silent spectator.
The hoho also mentioned that the ceasefire ground rules, framed and signed by the concerned Naga political group with the Government of India as terms and conditions for entering into a ceasefire, have not been regulated and monitored effectively, indicating total disregard for the rules by both signatories.
The Ralan Area Lotha Hoho urged the concerned authority to immediately apprehend the culprit and award punishment as per the law of the land.
Lotha Youth Hoho: The Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH), condemning the unfortunate incident, said that there is no room for such malicious people in today's modern era.
The LYH demanded that strict action be taken against Akhekevi and urged law enforcement agencies to impose exemplary punishment as per the law and deliver justice to the victim at the earliest.
Lotha Linhyang: The office of the Lotha Linhyang, in a condemnation note, said it is appalled by the inhuman behaviour of Akhekivi, “who seemed to be a highly unqualified cadre” of the NSCN-K (Khango).
Stating that “Akhekivi has demonstrated in the eyes of the whole world who he is and what he is capable of,” it claimed that all available evidence clearly proves that the primary physical abuse and subsequent attempt on Rhanlamo Kikon’s life with a gun were carried out with evil intent. It was only by the grace of the living God and through the intervention of the two other individuals who accompanied Akhekivi that the pastor was protected and saved.
“Now, for the betterment and safety of every Naga citizen (as the Lotha Linhyang believes in and works for), the esteemed and competent authority of the Niuland district administration is urged upon to arrest Akhekivi for prosecution as per the law of the land as sought earlier by the Yanpha village council,” it said, adding that the immediate action of the concerned authority would be highly appreciated and would also provide much-needed relief to the already troubled minds of not only the concerned villagers but the entire Lotha community.
It mentioned that, due to a lack of commitment and seriousness on the part of the authority, the Lotha Linhyang will go to any extent to support the Yanpha Village Council in seeking justice.