Advisor Sericulture & Cooperation, Azheto Zhimomi MLA has termed the allegation made by the NSCN (K) that he was involved in the detention of one Hemail Sumi (NSCN/GPRN Chaplee official) with members of Khehoi camp as “baseless and inaccurate”.
In a statement made available to the media at a press conference on Friday, Azheto pointed out that the incident occurred on October 6 and not on October 9 as stated.
According to Azheto, the NSCN (K) tried to contact him since the past two months to settle some issues with its finance department but that he could not be contacted owing to his hectic schedule.
Azheto disclosed he met Hemail Sumi on October 6 at his residence where they talked for about ten to fifteen minutes. During their conversations, Azheto said Hemail expressed the views of the NSCN (K) Chaplee department and left.
On the same day, Azheto said he received a call late at around 8:30pm from some NSCN (K) cadres who alleged that Hemail Sumi was apprehended under his directive from his house by the GPRN/NSCN.
Azheto clarified that, Hemail Sumi himself had gone to meet him on Oct 6 since as an MLA, never refused requests from anyone who wanted to meet him. Azheto said after Hemail left his house, he did not know what happened to Hemail as it was also not his responsibility.
He resented the allegation leveled against him of being part of the conspiracy as he had committed no wrong but was being made a scapegoat by the rival faction.
Commenting on many factions in Nagaland at present, Azheto said they cannot be ignored and supported active participation of all factions to achieve a proper solution instead of fighting, killing or quarrelling with each other.
He further appealed to the NSCN/GPRN not to randomly accuse people of misconduct and not to tarnish his image nor of Nagas on the basis of information which were untrue.
GPRN/NSCN clarifies
GPRN/NSCN has disclosed that Bokato alias Hemail Sumi of the NSCN (K) who had no position either in the latter’s civil or military wing,was apprehended on the basis of confessions made by Akheto Chishi who was collecting money on behalf of the NSCN (K) and who was nabbed by the GPRN/NSCN town command on October 6 while demanding tax at Signal Angami colony.
Based on confessions, GPRN/NSCN disclosed Akheto, son of Yeheshe Chishi of Lokobomi village Sumi region, had admitted to collecting tax with an accomplice one Bokato who was at that time in Azheto MLA’s house at Thahekhu demanding tax.
Thereupon, GPRN/NSCN said its town command rushed to Azheto’s residence and after surrounding it and cutting off
escape route, took Hemail into its custody and from whom, a black polythene bag with cash was seized.
GPRN/NSCN clarified that Bokato alias Hemail was arrested on the basis of information provided by his accomplice Akheto and denied that Azheto MLA provided any information.
GPRN/NSCN affirmed its moral responsibility to act against criminals in the interest of society and would do so whenever any report was received be it in the residence of minister or MLA. It said Hemail has been in its radar for months on account of his involvement in anti social activities.
It revealed that Bokato alias Hemail on interrogation, admitted he was acting on the orders of Kughalu Mulatonu on being promised a “plump post in the form of Dimapur-in charge of K groups’s finance department.”GPRN/NSCN said Mulatonu claimed he would be made general secretary of NSCN (K) by November or December 2011 and promised to reward Hemail.
It further clarified that “owing to problems” it had not issued the exact figure of GPRN/NSCN money collected by its former chaplee kilonser Mulatonu who had collected money from business houses and advance tax for 2012 through his agents on the even of his departure.
It claimed the amount was Rs.4.86 crore cited by Mulatonu which he denied taking was close to the figure which its investigation team reported to the collective leadership. It expressed appreciation to Mulatonu for “admitting the exact amount that he departed with.”
DCCI, WSH, appeal: Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has appealed to NSCN (K) to revoke initiating any action against Azheto Zhimomi MLA and described the threat meted out to him came as a “a rude shock and disappointment.” DCCI president Tokivi Chishi in a statement said it was “unfortunate that a member of a constituent association of the DCCI and more so, a constitutionally elected leader of the Nagas,bearing the mandate of the people, should be threatened for no fault of his.”
Chishi further maintained that no one should be held responsible when “an official of a particular group is apprehended on the road by a rival group.”
DCCI said when even a mandated leader was not spared, the plight of the common man or businessmen was a matter of great concern and disturbing.
DCCI also expressed concern over the demand of tax served on the timber association recently. Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has urged the NSCN (K) to exercise restraint from taking any action against MLA Azheto Zhimomi and has called for settling “the misunderstanding amicably for the larger interest of maintaining peace and common interest of the people”.
Expressing shock and dismay over the threat issued by NSCN (K) in a press release Friday, the WSH said that “the Hoho has found that the Hon’ble MLA is in no way involved in the arrest of the said Chaplee official”.
It said that WSH will not “accept any threats issued by any group upon Sumi leaders without any valid or proven reasons”. WSH has appealed the NSCN (K) “to set up an inquiry committee to verify the sequence of events of that particular date and time so that an innocent Naga leader should not be the victim of any misunderstanding or misconception”.
While pleading for the safe release of the “arrested official” in the spirit of reconciliation, WSH also appealed to GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) to “clarify the matter from their end so as to clear the confusion”.
WSH hopes that “the benign authority of the NSCN (K) will revoke the threat issued to the Hon’ble MLA”.
Meanwhile, Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU) has also appealed to NSCN (K) “to restraint from taking any action and settle the misunderstanding amicably”. WSSU said that it was “pained by” accusations against MLA Azheto Zhimomi who is “also a law abiding and simple senior citizen” of Dimapur.
NPF unit flays threat
Naga People’s Front, 3 DMR-III unit has vehemently condemned and questioned the “credibility” of the NSCN (K)’s decision that it would take action against MLA Azheto Zhimomi.
In a press statement issued Friday, NPF said “such accusation and intimidation on circumstantial rather than factual, especially during this crucial period of ceasefire is preposterous”. NPF further went on to state that MLA Zhimomi is a “prominent and successful businessman with genial personality and high moral integrity”.
The party said that the accusation against Azheto is “uncalled for”. According to NPF, the MLA is an able leader who is dedicated to “finding an honourable solution” for Nagas and “not a mere puppet of some organizations or a partisan politician.”
While vindicating the role of the MLA in the episode, the party worker, intellectuals and public leaders, along with the electorate of 3 DMU-III would like to make it clear that “such irresponsible and indifferent attitude shall not be tolerated”, the press statement asserted.
The statement was signed by Shevotso, president of NPF 3 Dimapur-II A/C along with 15 others, namely N. Hozheto Achumi, T. Vikhehon Zhimomi, Abel Tureng, Tohoshe, Kiesalie, Vilasüzo, Kevingulie Medom, Vizheto Kiho,B.Sammy Chetri, Hosheto, Kennedy, Inato Sema, Tokheli, Vihoshe Awomi and Hukiye.
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