Thongtso violence: SIT probe ordered; police appeal for calm

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 19 (EMN): The director general of police (DGP) has ordered a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a speedy and fair inquisition into the violent incident at Thongtso village in Noklak district where one person was killed, and another seriously injured, on November 18.

A press release from Tuensang police establishment on Thursday informed that the SIT has been constituted from the police headquarters, Kohima.

On the evening of November 18, four firearms were seized during extensive raids at suspected locations carried out under the supervision of the Addl. SP and SDPO, Tuensang, it informed.

Additional security forces along with the state special task force have been deployed at different strategic locations in and around the affected place to prevent further escalation of violence.

A criminal case has been registered at Thonokyu Police Station in connection with the incident.

Also, it informed that DGP Nagaland along with Commissioner, Nagaland and IGP (Range) rushed to Tuensang on the same day of the incident to assess the situation.

“DGP Nagaland has sent a strong message that no perpetrators shall be spared, and strict action shall be initiated, as per law against persons involved in the incident,” it stated.

Official sources on Thursday told Eastern Mirror a meeting was held among the respective district administrations of Noklak and Tuensang, police officers and public leaders to discuss the incident.

It was informed that no arrest has been made so far.

An official said that ‘since the miscreants were from a nearby village in Shamator sub-division’, action would likely be taken by the authorities of Tuensang district.

The superintendent of police, Tuensang, Bharat Laxman Markad, said that those persons involved in the killing of a man at Thongtso village had committed a ‘criminal act and would be dealt sternly as per law.’

He requested the public to maintain calm, and not take law into their own hands but co-operate with the police.

The police officer also warned that if anyone is caught ‘trying to take the issue on tribal and political line’, the person would be dealt with strictly.

The SP urged the communities concerned to exercise restraint and ensure peaceful atmosphere for the law enforcing agencies to execute their duties.

It may be mentioned that in the wee hours of November 18, unidentified persons, reportedly from a neighbouring village, attacked the people of Thongsto villagers in Noklak district, killing one man.

The miscreants also burned down eight houses, including one morung while the villagers of Thongtso fled to the forest. Another person also sustained several injuries during the incident, reportedly triggered by land issues dating back to the 1960s.