The Rengma Hoho has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as a “despicable and barbaric crime” perpetrated by cadres of the NSCN (R) Akato Chophy-led group on the night of December 16. The incident involved the abduction and brutal torture of four innocent youths during a night carnival in Dimapur.
According to the statement, the victims—three government employees and one student—were forcibly taken to the residence of a high-ranking leader in Thahekhu village, where they were subjected to severe physical assault, threats, and intimidation at gunpoint for over an hour. The victims are currently hospitalized in critical condition after enduring what the Rengma Hoho termed “cowardly and inhuman behavior.”
“Such cowardly and inhuman behavior by so-called national workers is nothing short of a heinous attack on the fundamental rights and dignity of innocent civilians,” the Rengma Hoho said.
The statement noted that the victims were further terrorized with threats of mutilation and death should they return to Dimapur. “This vile act of brutality is a shameful disgrace to the Naga community and a direct assault on our shared values of humanity and justice. Such acts of terror, under the guise of nationalism, are not only utterly unacceptable but also deeply deplorable,” the Rengma Hoho declared.
The Rengma Hoho also conveyed its solidarity with the victims and their families and prayed for their swift and complete recovery.
Blatant violation of ceasefire rules
The incident, according to the Rengma Hoho, represents a flagrant violation of ceasefire rules, exposing a complete breakdown in enforcement mechanisms. The organization called on the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell to take “immediate and decisive action against the perpetrators and the group responsible for Page 2 of 2 fostering such anti-social activities.”
“It is imperative to ensure that strict ground rules are enforced. Cadres of any faction must not be allowed to roam freely or wield arms outside their designated areas,” the statement emphasized, warning that failure to act decisively would promote lawlessness and instil fear psychosis among innocent civilians.
Further, the Rengma Hoho commended the swift response from the Dimapur Police, including the Commissioner of Police, the Officer-in-Charge of the Urban Police Station, and their team, for apprehending some of the accused. However, the Rengma Hoho demanded that the remaining perpetrators be arrested promptly and face the full extent of the law.
The Rengma Hoho insisted that “the group responsible for this heinous act” issue a public apology for its “anti-social and anti-Naga behavior,” which they said has deeply damaged the “fabric of our society.” They further called on the government to ensure appropriate compensation for the victims and their families.
“ Justice must be swift, uncompromising, and serve as a deterrent to prevent such atrocities in the future. Let the rule of law prevail over lawlessness, and let peace and dignity be restored in our land,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Er Tesinlo Semy, President, Rengma Hoho, and Nthonwa Magh, Secretary, Rengma Hoho.