The Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF) has strongly condemned the abduction of Kiyeto Zhimomi (Kits), Head GB of Vikuho village, allegedly carried out on January 19 by the NSCN/GPRN – Khango/Hokato Vusshe group.
The WSYF described the incident as a “grave provocation” and a “flagrant violation of the ceasefire ground rules,” calling it “an intolerable assault on the collective security, dignity and peace of the Sümi people.”
In a statement, the WSYF stated that “no issue can ever be resolved through force, coercion, intimidation or abduction,” adding that such actions “are ethically indefensible, socially corrosive and fundamentally anti-people.” The group condemned any targeting of civilians, stating that it discredits all claims of principle or legitimacy.
While Zhimomi has been released following an ultimatum, the WSYF asserted that the release “in no way mitigates the gravity of the act of abduction nor absolves those responsible.” The organization called for a thorough investigation to “establish the truth and ensure accountability” and directed all Sümi youths to “remain on high alert, stay prepared, united and ready to collectively safeguard the safety, dignity and interests of the Sümi community.”
The WSYF also urged the Cease Fire Monitoring Board to “act decisively, impartially and without delay” and to enforce the ceasefire rules strictly, warning that any failure would “severely undermine the credibility of the ceasefire mechanism and further erode public confidence in the peace process.”
The statement concluded by stressing that “peace cannot be sustained through fear, nor can authority be asserted through coercion,” and that respect must be earned through “restraint and dialogue, not imposed through force.” It called on all parties to choose wisdom over confrontation and mutual understanding over intimidation.