CFMG asked to ensure NPGs strictly adhere to CFGR
Taking serious note of the “death penalty and capital punishment” served on K. Rülho, proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho, by NSCN (K) Khango group, the state government has taken up the matter with the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG)/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) to ensure that NSCN (Khango) faction and other groups adhere strictly to the ceasefire ground rules (CFGR).
According to DIPR, spokesperson of Nagaland government and minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye, informed that FIR was promptly registered against NSCN (Khango) and its functionaries under appropriate sections of law for this crime.
Kenye said that the state government had previously made clear in response to the “shutter-down” initiated by the business community of Nagaland in April 2024 that any acts of threat or coercion, whether by factions in ceasefire or otherwise, were criminal offenses and would be dealt with according to the law.
Further, the state government reiterated the same to ensure peace and tranquillity in Nagaland, which was essential for economic development and prosperity.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement issued by media cell of deputy chief minister Y Patton’s office, the state government vehemently condemned the recent sequence of events involving NSCN/GPRN (Khango), which issued death threat/capital punishment on K. Rülho, proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho.
The release stated that the incident first came to notice when Angami Youth Organization (AYO) called a press conference and subsequently Nagaland police registered an FIR under appropriate sections of law.
Patton also stated that the state government in April 2024 had issued strict directions to police and district administration to ensure safety, security of the business community and ensure conducive business environment in the Nagaland.
He said that the state government has prioritized instilling confidence in the business community by ensuring that 24×7 communication lines for reporting instances of violations of the law.
While the law would take its course, Patton said the government requested various National political groups (most of which were in truce with the government of India) to refrain from acts, which were against the law of the land.
Condemnations
Various organisations including Dimapur civil society organisations (CSOs)—Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU),
Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), GB Union (Sadar) Dimapur, Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF) have strongly condemned the death threat served on Kezhaleo Rülho, proprietor of M/S KKB Rülho.
In a statement, NCD president Etsungmomo Kikon, vice president (admn) Holuto Aye and general secretary LK Peter Anal asserted that “such evil practice of money demand with life threat is bygone culture of barbaric and unenlightened people/society.”
Dimapur CSOs stated that the principle of any Naga national groups must be on true national movement with “political accountability and transparency in the face of public, not for mongering money and wealth by intimidating someone with death penalty/award for ransom.”
The CSOs has, therefore, appealed to NSCN/GPRN (Khango) to withdraw the life threat served on proprietor of M/s KKB Rülho. CSOs have appealed to Naga political groups to pay heed to the slogan of NCD “One Govt. One Tax” adopted at Naga public meeting at Dimapur in 2013.
Further, the CSOs have extend their solidarity and support to the Public Rally called by Angami Youth Organization (AYO) in Kohima on August 6, 2024 to protest against unabated illegal taxations, harassment, intimidation and death threat to common people.
Meanwhile, NCD has condemned the incident at Zunheboto which was meted out to Dick from Natha Old village.
RH: Rengma Hoho (RH) through its president Er. Tesinlo Semy and general secretary Shatilo Kent expressed deep concern and shock over the death threat served on Rülho, proprietor of M/s. KKB Rülho Pvt. Ltd, which it said has caused mental tension and alarm not only within his family but also among the entire Naga community, disrupting the progress and development of the State.
RH said that the Naga society, which was yearning for peace, development, and prosperity, strongly condemned such acts of violence, intimidation, and the creation of fear within the community.
The hoho said that such actions threatened the peace and tranquillity among the Nagas and posed a significant risk to the overall well-being of the society.
RH has urged NSCN-K (Khango) to withdraw the death threat and resolve the tax dispute through peaceful and amicable means. It also appealed to both parties to refrain from any drastic actions and work together towards the development and prosperity of the State. RHG said it stood against any form of violence and called for the preservation of peace and harmony in the society.
CNCCI: Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has condemned the capital punishment declared against K. Rülho, for his inability to pay the monetary demand made by NSCN-K(Khango).
CNCCI through its media affairs said that the Naga national movement belonged to every Naga. It said that every Naga was a stakeholder and a contributor in various capacities. CNCCI said that issuing capital punishment due to the inability to pay the monetary demands defied all logic of Naga national movement and its goal. “Rather it is a smear on a noble political aspirations of the Naga people,” CNCCI said.
The chamber urged the Naga political groups to understand that there were now nearly 20 factions fighting for one Naga political cause with almost all factions imposing demands, which it said was “impossible to meet for any business man.”
Meanwhile, CNCCI also extended full support to AYO stand and directed its confederate Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to ensure all the business community across Kohima districts join the public rally called by AYO on August 6, 2024. CNCCI also appealed to all its confederates (District chambers of commerce) to send the delegates to attend the rally and express solidarity.
AKM: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) also condemned the “ongoing illegal taxation” and threats to life by NSCN/GPRN (Khango).
In a statement, AKM president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba said that “these actions have not only undermined the rule of law” but have also created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the citizens of the state.
AKM stated that imposition of unauthorized taxes and levies by non-state actors has always been a great violation of the legal and constitutional framework of the nation.
It said that unauthorized tax was also one of the major reasons, why development in the state has been stagnated. AKM has urged the state functionaries to take immediate and decisive action to halt such illegal practices and restore law and order.
AKM reiterated that no taxation would be allowed under Mokokchung district and no developmental activities should be disrupted by any individuals or groups.
Further, AKM said that “threats to life and safety posed by these group” was completely unacceptable. Starting that every citizen has the right to live without fear of violence or coercion, the AKM called upon the law enforcement agencies to prioritize the protection of all citizens and ensure that those responsible for such threats were brought to justice.
It appealed to the community and CSOs to unite in rejecting such unlawful demands and support efforts aimed at fostering peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.
AKM affirmed to stand in solidarity with Angami Youth Organization (AYO) against the evils prevailing in the state. It called upon every organisation and right-thinking individual in the state to gather and stand against the same. AKM said it
Empathising with K Rulho, who have been affected by “these illegal activities”, AKM reaffirmed commitment to upholding the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law.
SYO: Sumi Youth Organization (SYO) has expressed concern over the “conflict” between NSCN-K (Khango) group and proprietor of KKB K. Rulho contractor.
In a statement, SYO vice president Hukaito Zhimomi and general secretary Bokalu V Jimo noted that NSCN-K (Khango) group “reportedly issued a death penalty” on K. Rulho, leading to the Angami Youth Organization (AYO)’s intervention in mediation efforts to address and resolve the situation.
Alongside the rest of the youth organizations across the state, SYO said it “discredits the death penalty without exception and regardless of circumstances”.
SYO underscored that the “death penalty was no answer to the solution and advocated for peaceful and constructive means of conflict resolution, rooted in dialogue, understanding, and reconciliations.
Therefore, SYO has appealed to both NSCN-K (Khango) and AYO to partake in constructive dialogues. The youth body said it was imperative to pursue a peaceful resolution through negotiation and mutual understanding rather than resorting to threats and violence.
DLYO: Condemning the death threats and capital punishment served on Kezhaleo Rülho, the Dimapur Lotha Youth Organisation (DLYO) said that issuing death threats to its own Naga brothers was unacceptable and condemnable.
DLYO through its media cell stated that at this juncture when every Naga was yearning for a peaceful solution, such kind of action by the Naga national workers would only jeopardise and undermine the struggle and sacrifice made by the past leaders for the Naga nation.
The youth organisation said that National workers, who were working for the cause of Naga nation, should desist from such issuing such statements, which harmed the social integrity of the Naga society.
It stated that common people have already been burdened by multiple taxations, adding that the issue has become a menace to the Naga society which can no longer be left unnoticed.
DLYO has, therefore, appealed to all the Nagas to unite and fight against the unabated illegal taxation, harassment and intimidation to the common people.
Meanwhile, DLYO has extended support to public rally called by Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) on August 6 to protest against “unabated illegal taxations, harassment, intimidation and death threat to common people.”