The office of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has expressed its “deepest concern” and condemned the abduction of two bona fide members from their community on October 10, 2024, from Diphupar. The AKM denounced the subsequent extortion demands made to them by members of the NSCN (Niki), calling this act of violence “a grave violation of human rights and unbecoming of national workers.”
In a statement, the AKM affirmed its commitment to “stand in total solidarity with the victims” and supported the urgent call from Dimapur-based Naga youth organizations for justice. The organization stated, “We strongly condemn any form of violence directed towards anyone and urge the concerned authorities to take stern action against those responsible before the situation worsens.” The AKM pledged to “pursue the matter until justice is served and the culprits are punished.”
Furthermore, the Ao Students’ Conference called upon Naga national groups to “respect the democratic rights of the people” and to refrain from activities that could escalate tensions within the state. The AKM condemned acts of intimidation, stating, “These acts of intimidation and use of criminal tactics such as abduction and extortion threaten the safety and livelihoods of innocent civilians and the business community.” They declared, “We will not recognize any national groups terrorizing our communities, nor will we tolerate it,” questioning their legitimacy and principles in light of whether they are working for the national interest or personal gains.
The organization also urged the state government and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of citizens across Nagaland.
In alignment with the call from the Dimapur-based Naga Youth Organization, the AKM reaffirmed its support and appealed to the public to “stand united during these critical times in support of justice and for the protection of our rights.”