The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) and the Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) on Wednesday accused armed Naga cadres of misusing ceasefire ground rules following a series of abductions and gunfire in residential areas.
WNYF convenor Aga Rengma said six individuals were abducted in recent weeks, including five on December 15. One person was injured in the incident and later admitted to hospital by the perpetrators themselves. “These acts could lead to confrontation if they continue,” he warned.
The organisations emphasised that ceasefire agreements should not be treated as a licence to intimidate civilians. Rengma said the groups were not against Naga nationalism and would stand at the forefront if the Naga cause were threatened, but the use of guns and ammunition against civilians was unacceptable.
Rengma called for the arrest of those involved in the December 15 incident, citing an FIR filed by the Aoyimti Village Council, and urged the Ceasefire Monitoring Board (CFMB) and Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) to act on repeated violations. He said assurances given by the CFSB chairman in October 2024 had not been implemented.
DAYO president Boktiba Jamir said a ransom of INR 50 lakh had been demanded, though the abducted individuals were later released. One victim sustained bullet injuries to his finger and buttock. “Peace can prevail only if people stand together,” he said, adding that the organisations did not want the issue to take a tribal turn.
DAYO vice-president Abenjang questioned whether kidnapping or firing were permitted under ceasefire rules and warned that the groups would not remain silent if the case failed to reach a logical conclusion.
Responding to claims by the Khango-led NSCN (K) that the individuals were linked to a fake call centre, Jamir said investigations should be carried out by competent authorities. “Our concern is the manner in which armed individuals entered homes at night, fired shots, and abducted people, which is illegal,” he said.
Rengma said WNYF plans to meet the CFSB again and stressed that ransom demands and abductions must end. “Promoting gun culture cannot be justified,” he said.
