Mokokchung, 5 August (MTNews): Following the alleged killing of NSCN-R (Akato) member Temzei by its functionaries, the NSCN-IM through a press release from its MIP expressed regret over the unfortunate incident and said that they were “not impressed at all.”
Chairman of the Konyak Region of NSCN-Reformation (Akato), identified as Temzei from Wangla village, Tizit, under the Mon district of Nagaland, was allegedly beaten to death by members of the NSCN-IM. According to sources, four members of NSCN-Reformation (Akato) were “apprehended” by NSCN-IM cadres on 30 July 2023 in Tizit for allegedly engaging in illegal tax collection activities.
The NSCN-IM said that they are issuing a ‘delayed clarification’ as they were “compelled to go deeper into the incident.” It further said that the Tizit incident happened without the knowledge of any authority.
“Even the Kilo Kilonser was not informed,” it added, and, therefore, in this account, the NSCN-IM said that they have “not taken the issue lightly as it involved reckless violation of rules as applicable.”
It maintained that an “Enquiry Committee” has been constituted and that strong action shall be initiated against those involved.
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs) condemned the “brutal killing” of the senior leader stating that it has come as a “rude shock” to the people of Nagaland and all peace-loving Nagas.
Citing media reports, the WC NNPGs said that an eight-member team of the NSCN-R (Akato) members had a meeting with Konyak Union (KU) for peace initiatives on 30 July. In regard to this, the WC NNPGs asked, If a meeting with KU was sought and granted, was it an unforgivable crime deserving extreme torture and death penalty?” It went on to say, “Meeting ENPO, KU or any CSO is not the exclusive right of one group.”
Saying that Nagas have never been silenced by guns or torture, the WC NNPGs said, “What a blot on the Common journey of Nagas!”
The WC NNPGs stated that the commander and the men responsible for the “inhuman abuse and murder” must be penalized.
“Whether Nagaland native or from outside, this is another visible streak of mercilessness that Nagas must stand up against. It is another reminder to the Naga people of the reckless killings in the 80s and 90s,” it said.
The WC NNPGs also stated that “Eastern Nagas are not born to be raised – hunted and slaughtered like wild animals” and said that all Naga political groups are aware of the ENPO resolution of 18 December 2008 against factional killings.
“Therefore, the 31st July killing serves as a reminder to all Nagas that there will always be elements detrimental to peace. The latest torture and murder of an unarmed man is a setback to the healing process strongly advocated by all tribes and apex CSOs,” the WC NNPGs stated.
“A leader in his own right,” it said of Temzei and paid homage to the departed soul while extending condolences to the family of the deceased.