Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma on Friday asserted that no faction or group has the authority to abduct, summon, threaten or detain any citizen, making it clear that ceasefire supervisory offices are meant strictly for maintaining peace and not for carrying out criminal activities.
Addressing a press conference at Police Complex, Chumoukedima, the DGP said the abduction of Vikuho village Head GB and businessman, Kiyeto Zhimomi on January 19 last was a “clear-cut case where the faction had taken law into its own hands” and a serious violation of ceasefire ground rules. He stated that following the complaint, Nagaland Police initiated both front-channel and back-channel operations, which ultimately led to the safe rescue of the victim.
Sharma revealed that during the course of investigation, the police identified those involved in the crime and made repeated attempts to arrest the accused. When normal policing failed, Nagaland Police imposed an embargo and surrounded the Ceasefire Supervisory Board office of the NSCN (K) Khango–Hokato faction in Dimapur, seeking surrender of the named cadres. He said negotiations were prolonged to avoid confrontation, but when the police entered the camp later in the evening, none of the accused were found inside.
The DGP disclosed that communication with the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group confirmed that the faction had violated ceasefire ground rules and that its explanation on the abduction was found unsatisfactory. The Chairman, he said, had clearly stated that no faction has the right to interfere in matters of law and order and that any grievance should be routed through proper channels rather than through force or intimidation.
Emphasizing the limited purpose of ceasefire offices, Sharma said such facilities are only meant to prevent inter-factional clashes and maintain coordination with security forces. “These Supervisory Board offices are only meant to help maintain the peace, to help prevent inter-factional clashes, to help prevent any misunderstandings between the Nagaland police or the security forces or Assam Rifles and any of the camps. There is no other purpose for these camps. If these camps are being used for any other purpose, it is wrong,” he said.
The DGP also backed the long-standing demand of civil society groups to relocate faction offices from populated areas. “Their camps and their ceasefire offices being in populated areas per se, is a threat and creates terror and fear in the minds of the public,” he said adding, if landowners or village councils withdraw consent, the camps would have no option but to move, and the government would support such decisions.
3 cadres produced before police
Confirming developments in the case, Sharma said three cadres have already been produced before the police, while efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest others involved. He stressed that more arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
“We are seeking all the cadres who are wanted. We are aware of seven names, but during the investigation, more names could come out. So I’m not ruling out any further arrest in addition to these three cadres. Besides creating fear and terror in the minds of the people and disturbances to public order, I think all these activities are also vitiating peace in the state, the peaceful atmosphere in the state,” the DGP said.
Responding to allegations made by the faction against the victim, Sharma said the police would act on any cognizable offence if evidence is provided, regardless of whether the accused is a victim or otherwise. However, he urged all groups to file formal complaints instead of making allegations through press conferences.
“If we have information about an offense as per law—it’s not as per what you think is an offense, but as per law if it is an offense—we will take action. We will not spare anyone,” he reiterated.
Responding to another query regarding the NSCN (K) Khango’s claim or accusation that Kiyeto Zhimomi was collecting tax in the name of the Naga political group, the DGP said if there is any evidence which comes to light that it is being done, police can take action on the basis of that also. He requested the NSCN (K) Khango group that if they have anything concrete (against Kiyeto), they should file an FIR with whatever evidence they have. “Whatever evidence they have, okay, we’ll not flinch,” he asserted.
Responding to a question regarding the location of ceasefire offices, Sharma explained that the allocation of such camps is done through a structured mechanism led by the Chairman of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board or the Ceasefire Supervisory Group, in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Government of Nagaland, security forces and central agencies. He categorically stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) does not independently decide the location of these offices, as is often alleged.
“A lot of these offices were allowed in good faith to help in better coordination of the ceasefire, especially since Dimapur is the major commercial and activity centre of Nagaland,” Sharma said. However, he stressed that such permission was given solely for the purpose of maintaining peace and coordination, not for committing crimes.
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‘Ceasefire offices are not inviolable’
Referring to a recent communication from the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, the DGP said the letter clearly states that these offices are meant for a limited purpose and that limited purpose does not include extortion, summoning people, running patrols, or carrying out any unlawful activity.
“The factions must understand their limits. If there is a problem with another faction, they can contact the police, the DCP, or the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group. But calling civilians, bringing them to camps, extorting money or threatening people is not permitted,” he said.
The DGP further revealed that the Nagaland government has taken a firm stand against the misuse of ceasefire offices. He said that while such offices may have initially been allowed to function in populated areas to facilitate coordination, they are now being misused, and such misuse cannot be tolerated. “If the premises are being misused, the permissions must be withdrawn,” he said.
Sharma explained that the withdrawal of permission depends primarily on the consent of the landowner or the village council. Once the landowner withdraws consent, there is no option but to relocate the camp. He added that the government does not grant permissions directly but gives its views when alternative locations are proposed by the Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group. “We cannot commit to any location in advance. But it should not be in populated areas,” he said.
He reiterated that ceasefire offices are not inviolable and warned that police will continue to enter such premises if criminal activity is suspected.
Responding to another question about political groups committing crimes in town and then taking shelter in ceasefire offices, particularly in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima, the DGP said the police have already shown they are willing to act. “This time we went in. Earlier also we went in. If it happens again, we will repeat what we have done. These offices don’t give you immunity for doing an act which you are not supposed to do. You have to maintain peace and maintain the ground rules of the ceasefire. If you are doing anything else, it is wrong,” he said.
The DGP also issued a strong warning to the public, urging citizens not to respond to summons from any faction or camp. He cautioned that paying money under pressure could amount to financing illegal activities, which is also a punishable offence.
NSCN (K) Khango issues force discharge azha to 2 officials
The NSCN (K) Khango has issued force discharge Azha to Hekhuyi Kiba, Secretary and Vicca Chophy, Joint Secretary, NSCN/GPRN from active and primary membership of the government with immediate effect.
In a “discharge Azha”, Ato Kilonser, Hokato Vusshe has informed the concerned officials to submit the Government properties within seven days.
