Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2010:
Strongly condemning the assault and looting of two members of the Naga Hoho and a member of Forum for Naga Revolutionary by unidentified gunmen at a hotel in Kohima yesterday, the Naga Hoho has stated that it is greatly distressing that anti-social elements have wreaked violence against these leaders who are in the fore front of the movement for peace.
In a statement, the Naga Hoho said that the miscreants decamped with their wallets, ATM cards, lap tops and printer and cash.
When this was resisted, the Naga leaders were assaulted with handgun butts, it said.
The assaulted Naga Hoho leaders are Chuba Ozukum and G Vashum and a member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Neouni Piku.
The NSCN (K) has also expressed deep shock to learn about the assault of the Naga civil society leaders.
In a statement, the rebel group said, "The perpetrators of the crime whether committed on their own or at the behest of any authority, must be booked at the earliest irrespective of party affiliations" .
The GPRN/NSCN does not believe in targeting Naga leaders, it said and added that it is ready to investigate the case and unmasks the culprits.
The NSCN (K) also prayed for the speedy recovery of the three persons.
The Chandel Naga Civil Society Co-ordination Core Committee, representing the frontal organisations of Chandel district has also strongly condemned the assault of the Hoho leaders.
In a statement the Committee said that it extends its solidarity to the victims and assured their support.
The Committee has also alleged that Kakching AC MLA Y Surchandra and his henchmen dismantled the village sign board of Khangshim Maring village today at about 12.30 pm.
The cohorts of the MLA also used derogatory words, alleged the Committee and urged the competent authority to book the culprits for creating communal tension.
A report has also been submitted to the DC of Chandel by the Committee asking for immediate protection of Naga villagers against anti-social elements headed by MLA Y Surchandra.