Lotha community demand end to violence, extortion in Nagaland

Calls for strict enforcement of ceasefire ground rules

WOKHA — Thousands of Lotha community members rallied in Wokha on Monday to protest the assault and attempted murder of a local pastor and demand an end to violence and extortion by Naga armed groups.

The rally, organised by the Lotha Youth Hoho under the aegis of Lotha Hoho, was sparked by the August 24 assault of Rhanlamo Kikon, pastor of Yanpha Baptist Church, in Naukhati town. The alleged assailant, identified as Akhekivi, is reportedly a cadre of the NSCN/GPRN (Khango).

Leaders representing a wide spectrum of Lotha civil society and business organisations, including the Lotha Youth Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, among others, united in their condemnation of the attack on the pastor.

Beyond this specific case, the leaders expressed outrage over the ongoing illegal taxation, intimidation, and threats faced by Naga communities, urging all Naga political groups (NPGs) to cease such actions.

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Calling on the groups to revisit the original ideals of the Naga freedom struggle, the organisations called for unity amongst the increasingly fragmented NPGs, stating that the current state of division undermines the true essence of the political struggle.

In a statement issued after the rally, the Lotha Youth Hoho informed that the community adopted several resolutions for strict adherence going forward.

It demanded that authorities not release the accused, Akhekivi, without the Lotha Hoho’s explicit agreement on the terms and conditions of his release.

Furthermore, any retaliation against the Lotha community by the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) will be met with a firm response, it said, adding that it would cease cooperation with any NPG whose members engage in intimidation or violence against their people.

It also issued a warning to all NPGs against offering support or membership to Akhekivi, stating that such action will be met with non-cooperation.

The community reaffirmed its commitment to the “one government, one tax” principle, calling for an end to illegal taxation by armed groups.

Stricter ceasefire enforcement

Following the rally, a memorandum was submitted to the Nagaland governor through the Wokha deputy commissioner, stating that “unlawful activities” are being perpetrated under the cover of the ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.

The hoho demanded that the government of India enforce the agreed-upon ground rules of the ceasefire agreement and hold all signatory groups accountable for violations.

It said that the ceasefire monitoring group/ceasefire supervisory board should be pulled up from its slumber and activate its machinery to curb these “ailments caused by the NPGs.”

The memorandum also called for an end to the increasing number of armed factions, demanding that those operating outside the ceasefire agreement be brought to justice under the law.

It went on to state that the accused assailant in the attack on Pastor Kikon be booked under the National Security Act of 1980.

Beyond these specific demands, the memorandum expressed the deep frustration felt by the Naga people regarding the “telling effect” of ongoing violence and extortion on daily life, particularly for young people and entrepreneurs.

Underscoring the government’s fundamental responsibility to safeguard its citizens and ensure justice, it urged for swift and decisive action on the matter.