Nagaland is witnessing widespread outrage following the alleged abduction and assault of four youths, including three who were brutally beaten at gunpoint, in a private residence at Thahekhu village on December 16, 2024. The incident has sparked strong condemnation from several organizations, who have called for justice and accountability.
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has condemned the alleged abduction, assault, and intimidation of four individuals, including a student, in Thahekhu Village during the early hours of December 17. The incident, which reportedly involved firearms such as AK-47s and pistols, has sparked widespread concern and outrage within the community.
In a statement, the DNSU expressed alarm over the misuse of firearms and accused the perpetrators, who claimed affiliation with Naga political groups, of acting with “a blatant disregard for the rule of law.” The union stressed that such acts threaten the safety of innocent citizens and called for accountability.
The DNSU reiterated its long-standing stance that no Naga political group should ever use firearms against students. “Students are the future of our society,” the union stated, emphasizing the need for their safety and well-being. The union also criticized the misuse of firearms by those entrusted with public safety, saying, “If those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting our citizens do not understand the purpose of holding a gun—which is to protect and serve, not to intimidate and harm—then they need to quit their job.”Calling for swift and stringent action, the DNSU urged the authorities to ensure justice is served. “We have full trust in the police department’s ability to investigate this incident impartially and deliver justice to the victims,” the statement read.
The union also warned of the consequences of inaction, cautioning that any failure to deliver justice could erode public trust in the legal system. “Any untoward incident arising from the authorities’ inaction will be solely the responsibility of the concerned authorities and the stakeholders of the group involved,” the DNSU stated.
The DNSU called on all political groups and stakeholders to denounce such acts of violence and ensure their affiliates uphold the law and respect citizens’ rights.
The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) also issued a scathing condemnation of the incident, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation. Highlighting the involvement of a bonafide Ao youth among the victims, DAYO demanded clarification on whether the Thahekhu location where the incident occurred is a designated camp for any group under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.
DAYO further questioned the status of the Akato group allegedly involved in the act, asking, “Are these armed individuals operating under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, or are they rogue elements misusing the guise of ‘national workers’?” The organization warned against a “dangerous precedent” of harassment at gunpoint and stressed the need for accountability.
DAYO called for the perpetrators to be booked under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a transparent investigation. It also urged the Nagaland Police to demonstrate neutrality and professionalism, specifically mentioning the role of the Director General of Police (DGP) in leading the investigation. “This incident is not just an attack on the victims but an affront to the safety and dignity of all Dimapur residents,” DAYO remarked.
The organization also reminded the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) to amend existing ground rules, as previously committed during consultative meetings. “Decisive action is necessary to prevent further erosion of public trust,” DAYO added.
The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) also expressed shock and dismay over the incident, describing it as a “despicable act” by self-proclaimed national workers. In a statement, WNYF said, “We unequivocally condemn the blatant misuse of power and the inhumane treatment meted out to our innocent brothers by some self-proclaimed national workers.”
WNYF raised concerns over the growing trend of “abduction, intimidation, and assaults on laymen” by such groups. The organization called on law enforcement agencies to take firm action against the “rampant possession of arms in public spaces” and urged all national workers, regardless of faction, to cease abusive practices. “We call upon all right-thinking citizens to condemn this barbaric act and demand unconditional justice,” WNYF stated, further urging authorities to arrest and book the culprits under the National Security Act (NSA).
The Chakhesang Students’ Union, Dimapur also voiced its dismay, expressing solidarity with the victims and condemning the incident. “The Union expresses its utmost solidarity with the four individuals who were detained, three of whom were brutally charged with verbal and physical assault,” it stated.
The union called on citizens to question how such incidents, involving harassment under the guise of national workers, continue to occur. It reiterated the need for unity and peace, emphasizing that “our unity and peace are bigger than our ego and pride.”
Three arrested in connection with assault of four youths in Dimapur
Dimapur Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged assault of four youths on the night of December 17.
The incident reportedly began with a collision between a scooty carrying two individuals and a car driven by two youths at Nyamo Lotha Road in Dimapur. The collision escalated into a confrontation, during which the scooty riders allegedly called several associates who assaulted the youths at gunpoint, sources revealed.
Claiming to be national workers, the assailants reportedly forced the car occupants to a location in Thahekhu village. At the site, the youths were allegedly compelled to abandon their car and take the scooty instead.
Unfamiliar with operating a scooty, the two youths called a friend for assistance. The friend, accompanied by his brother, arrived to help but was allegedly followed by the assailants. All four individuals were then forcibly taken back to Thahekhu village, according to reports.
During the ordeal, one of the youths managed to escape. However, the remaining three were reportedly subjected to physical assault. The injured victims are now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Dimapur.
Dimapur Police stated that the arrested individuals are claiming to be civilians. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full details and motives behind the incident.