The Lotha Hoho (LH) condemned the brutal act of violence to a Pastor in Naukhuti Town on August 24 while shopping by one Akhekivi cadre of NSCN/GPRN (K) Khango. The Hoho said the inhumane barbaric act and heinous crime committed to an innocent public without any valid reason would not be tolerated and demanded law enforcing agencies to award befitting punishment to the perpetrator under the relevant sections of law.
The Hoho expressed grave concern over the current state of affairs in Nagaland, noting a disturbing shift from the maxim “the pen is mightier than the sword” to a reality where “the sword is mightier than the pen.”
The LH appealed to all factions of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to “refrain from such uncivilized and inhumane manifestations” and to respect the human rights of every individual. It urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, asking the law enforcing agency “to leave no stone unturned to extract the facts of the incident.”
The Hoho also strongly condemned the attempted use of a pistol by the accused, who allegedly misfired. The LH called for the perpetrator to be booked under the National Security Act (NSA) and emphasized the need for a meticulous investigation to avoid any potential loopholes that could lead to acquittal during trial.
“The Hoho outrightly condemns such furious and terrorism acts as it tarnishes the image of the organization,” the statement read, urging against harboring such criminals in the future. Additionally, the LH warned that any future attacks against Lotha individuals would result in the Lotha Naga Tribe ceasing cooperation with the involved organizations.