The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) has raised serious alarm over the recent kidnapping and torture of prominent businessman, Kiyeto Zhimo, calling it a grave assault on the rule of law and a disturbing reflection of the growing culture of impunity in the state.

In a statement, the CNCCI expressed deep shock and anguish over what it termed as the continued inaction of the Nagaland Police, despite the victim having publicly stated that he had filed multiple FIRs in different police stations over the years.

It said the failure to act on repeated complaints has shattered public confidence in law enforcement and has emboldened criminal elements to operate without fear of consequences.

The CNCCI said when such serious complaints fail to result in timely action, it sends a dangerous message that criminals can operate with impunity. “This reflects a serious breakdown of trust in the law-enforcement system and raises troubling questions about accountability,” it added.

The CNCCI also took strong exception to what it described as attempts to downplay or mischaracterize the incident. It questioned how an act involving forcible breaking of a vehicle window, physical assault, abduction, blindfolding, and sustained physical and mental torture could be portrayed as anything other than kidnapping and extortion. “These are not isolated or accidental acts; they are deliberate, violent, and clearly intended to instill fear. No explanation, justification, or narrative can convince the public otherwise,” the statement said.

Categorically distancing such crimes from the Naga political movement, the CNCCI asserted that kidnapping and extortion has nothing to do with the Naga national struggle. “Such acts are anti-Naga and anti-people and they directly undermine the values, principles and sacrifices associated with the Naga cause,” it said adding, “What we are witnessing today is not politics, but criminal gangs hiding behind ideology to collect hafta and terrorize citizens.”

Citing the police’s failure to act decisively despite repeated complaints, the CNCCI demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) so that the entire network involved in kidnapping and extortion in Nagaland can be exposed and dealt with in a fair, impartial, and swift manner.

The CNCCI further reminded the state government and all Naga political groups that the business community is not “livestock” to be abducted, tortured or intimidated at will. It emphasized that business owners are among the most respectable and contributing citizens of the state, which contribute significantly to state revenue, keep the state economy running, and have been one of the most important backbones of the Naga National Movement.

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It issued a stern warning to the state Government and all Naga Political Groups (NPGs) that “enough is enough”.

“The business community cannot and will not remain silent in the face of continued kidnapping, extortion, and intimidation. If such activities are not immediately and decisively stopped, the CNCCI will mobilize the entire business community of Nagaland to stand united, protect its members, and defend its collective dignity and security,” the CNCCI stated.

WCH condemns abduction and assault of Kiyeto Zhimomi

The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) has condemned the abduction and assault of Kiyeto Zhimomi on January 19 and extended solidarity with the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) on the 48-hour ultimatum to the NSCN-K (Khango–Hokato) group on this grave matter.

“This act of violence is despicable, barbaric, lawless and a direct assault on the conscience of Naga society,” it said adding at a time when all Naga people earnestly long for lasting peace, and when tireless efforts are being made by Naga civil societies to foster reconciliation and a permanent peaceful environment, such reprehensible acts negate the very core values of shared Naga tradition.

“The use of threats, intimidation, abduction, and physical violence have no place in Naga culture and are alien to our customary values,” it further stated.

The WCH also lauded the timely and coordinated efforts of the district administration, police force, and civil society organizations in securing the rescue of the victim

The WCH further demanded an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into this grievous incident and said all perpetrators must be identified and brought to account through the swift delivery of justice.

It urged all responsible groups and authorities to ensure such atrocities are never repeated, and to recommit to the path of peace, respect, and dialogue that people rightfully demand.