The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has strongly condemned a recent incident involving the intimidation, physical assault, and extortion of an innocent couple and their younger siblings allegedly by the operatives of the NSCN (Khango). The couple, belonging to the Chang and Sangtam communities and bona fide members of ENPUD, were reportedly harassed, coerced into signing a bond under duress, and robbed of their savings in an act described as both criminal and inhumane.
In a statement issued by the WNYF’s Media Cell, the organization expressed deep solidarity with the victims and their younger siblings, who were also subjected to psychological trauma.
According to WNYF, the couple were manhandled, threatened, and coerced into signing a bond under duress, agreeing to an arbitrary fine of ₹3 lakhs, besides being robbed of their hard-earned savings at their residence.
“Such lawless acts, carried out without due process or justification amount to nothing short of criminal extortion and human rights violation,” it added.
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The Front stated that the woman is a legitimate customer care executive for eBay, a detail verified by the police post-incident. “She was wrongfully targeted under unfounded suspicions,” the WNYF stated, adding, “In today’s digital era, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, many of our youth have embraced online jobs and work-from-home roles to build an honest livelihood.
“Instead of being supported or encouraged, this young woman was harassed and robbed, a disgraceful reflection of how far we have strayed from the values we claim to uphold,” it further stated.
Condemning this “act of violence and psychological terror” in the strongest possible terms, the WNYF said, “These actions not only breach the principles of justice and dignity but also go against the very spirit of the Naga struggle which was founded on truth, self-respect, and unity.”
It called upon all civil society organizations, human rights bodies, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action. It urged the Ceasefire Monitoring Group and law enforcing agencies to take immediate cognizance of this incident and ensure the safety, justice, and dignity of the victims.
Further, the WNYF emphasized the need for the Naga public to raise their voices against illegal taxation and misuse of power, stating that such actions “divide, intimidate, and oppress our own people under the guise of representing the Naga cause.”
The WNYF also extended full support to the Chang Union Dimapur and ENPUD in their pursuit of justice.
