The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) has strongly condemned the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast reported on National Highway-2 near Khuzama village on November 11, describing it as an attack on public safety, peace and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by its president, Petevito Nakhro, and general secretary, Vipu Zashümo, the AYO said national highways were lifelines of the region, facilitating the daily movement of civilians, students, patients and essential goods. It said targeting a public road with explosives demonstrated disregard for human life and was intended to create fear and disrupt normal life among peaceful citizens.

While noting that initial reports had not established the involvement of any particular terrorist organisation or group, the AYO said the circumstances surrounding the explosion raised serious questions. It stated that the timing and location suggested a possible attempt to create panic, destabilise the prevailing atmosphere or serve vested interests.

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The organisation called for an immediate, transparent and high-level investigation to establish the motive behind the incident and identify those responsible.

It also called for enhanced security along inter-State borders, including the maintenance of year-round records of vehicles and individuals crossing the borders.

Reaffirming its commitment to the AYO’s preamble, “To protect and safeguard our people and land,” the organisation urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious movements.

The AYO said those seeking to disrupt peaceful coexistence had no place in a civilised society and called upon people to unite against threats to their safety and livelihood.