The Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) has condemned the abduction of two bona fide citizens on 10th October 2024 and the subsequent extortion demands made against the same business owner by a faction of a Naga national political group. The Union expressed its concern over the harassment and intimidation of citizens which it said “undermines the very foundation of Naga nationalism—the welfare and dignity of the Naga people”.
The ASUD clarified that it is not opposed to any Naga national political groups or the concept of Naga nationalism, however, it stated that it is “firmly against the illegal abduction, kidnapping, and both physical and psychological torment inflicted upon any Ao Naga business owners, individuals, or citizens residing in Dimapur and its neighboring areas of Chumoukedima and Niuland, which fall under our jurisdiction.”
The Union urged the Nagaland Government to take immediate action to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to the victims and the broader Naga society. “It is both unsafe and distressing to live in an environment where law abiding innocent citizens must fear for their safety, worrying whether they will return home or find themselves in an unknown location surrounded by armed individuals,” it stated.
While asserting that it would not remain passive observers should any similar incidents occur in the future, the ASUD called on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of the community and to work collaboratively towards a peaceful resolution that upholds the rights and dignity of every citizen.
Two individuals belonging to the Ao community were earlier abducted on 10th October 2024 allegedly by members of NSCN-K (Niki Sumi) faction. They were released later that same day.
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