Konyak Union (KU) has demanded immediate and unconditional release of Md Muslek Ali within 24 hours, who was reportedly abducted by gunmen associated with NSCN-K (Ang Mai) faction on November 25.
The union also threatened that failure to comply with this demand would compel it to declare a public non-cooperation against NSCN-K (Ang Mai) group.
KU president Tingthok Konyak and assistant general secretary TP Pongyao Konyak in a statement said they were deeply disturbed by the abduction of Muslek Ali, a resident of Hati Camp (Namtola), from his shop by some gunmen reportedly associated with the NSCN-K (Ang Mai) group.
Asserting unequivocally that they did not endorse or support any unlawful activities that threatened to disrupt public peace and harmony shared by Konyak and Assamese communities, KU mentioned that the two communities had over the past decade fostered a peaceful relationship and coexisted as good neighbours without any untoward incident.
The union maintained that this hard-earned peace was a result of mutual understanding and respect, cautioning that no group or individual should attempt to disturb and jeopardise this harmony.
KU stressed that any allegation against an individual must be addressed through proper and lawful means whatever the crime or reason might be, and not through acts of abduction or kidnapping that only created unnecessary tensions and mistrust.
As the festive season approaches, KU warned that such actions risked disrupting daily activities, business exchanges, and movement of students and the sick, impacting the well-being of both communities.
The union urged all stakeholders concerned and leaders from their counterpart to exhibit resilience, and ensure that peace and harmony remained intact for the benefit of all.