The Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) has called for an impartial, fair and time-bound inquiry into allegations levelled against Temsuwati Longkumer, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, while urging the public to exercise restraint and refrain from circulating unverified claims.

In a statement, NCSA president Kethosituo Sekhose said the association had taken note of the allegations raised against Longkumer, a member of the association, through a representation submitted to the Commissioner, Nagaland, which was subsequently circulated widely on social media.

The Association acknowledged the right of every citizen to raise grievances against public servants and affirmed that no public servant was above scrutiny. It stated that allegations of misconduct, if supported by evidence, must be examined seriously and impartially by the competent authority in accordance with the law.

At the same time, the NCSA expressed concern that the allegations were being widely discussed and judged in the public domain before examination by the appropriate disciplinary or investigative authority.

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It maintained that the public circulation of unverified allegations, however serious, should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing. Premature conclusions, personal attacks and what it described as trial by social media could cause irreversible harm to the reputation and dignity of a serving officer and potentially prejudice a fair and impartial inquiry.

The Association appealed to members of the public, civil society organisations, media personnel and social media users to exercise restraint and refrain from making or amplifying unverified claims, personal vilification or definitive conclusions regarding the conduct of the Deputy Commissioner or any other government servant.

The NCSA also urged the competent authority of the Government of Nagaland to institute an impartial, fair and time-bound inquiry into all allegations raised in the representation.

Reiterating its commitment to accountability, transparency, integrity and ethical public service, the association stated that accountability could be upheld only through due process, fairness, protection of individual dignity and reliance on evidence.

It appealed to all stakeholders to allow the lawful process to take its course, stressing that the pursuit of truth should not be replaced by speculation, prejudice or public condemnation.