NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) Apologises to Western Sumi Bodies, Expels Cadres Over Abduction Case

Dimapur: The NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) faction on January 23 issued a public apology to Western Sumi frontal organisations following allegations of abduction and physical assault of a Sumi businessman earlier this week. The apology came after the group was served an ultimatum by the Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, and the Western Sumi Youth Front, demanding accountability and punitive action against those involved.

The alleged incident occurred on January 19 and involved Kiyeto Zhimomi, a businessman from the Sumi community. The matter triggered widespread outrage among civil society organisations, prompting sustained pressure on the Naga Political Group to respond publicly and take disciplinary action.

The apology was formally tendered by the group’s MIP Kilonser, Hokashe Muru, during a press conference held at the Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) office in Thilixu village. For the second consecutive day, the CFSB premises remained under tight security, with personnel from the state police and Assam Rifles cordoning off the area.

Addressing the media, Muru said the organisation had conducted an internal inquiry into the incident. Based on the findings, two senior functionaries identified as the principal accused in the police FIR and the victim’s statement were subjected to what he described as a “forced discharge” from the organisation. The expelled members were Finance Secretary Hekhuyi Kiba and Joint Secretary Vicca Chophy, with discharge orders issued on January 23.

Muru maintained that the disciplinary action was in keeping with the group’s constitutional provisions and code of conduct and also aligned with the demands placed by the Western Sumi frontal organisations. He asserted that the organisation does not condone acts that undermine public trust or bring disrepute to its political objectives.

Responding to allegations that the matter had been sought to be resolved through a negotiated settlement of Rs 30 lakh, Muru expressed regret over remarks made during an earlier media interaction on January 21. He claimed those comments were misconstrued and announced that the statement regarding any monetary negotiation stood officially withdrawn.

The MIP Kilonser also addressed the demand raised by Sumi organisations to relocate the CFSB office from Thilixu village. Urging them to reconsider, he cited logistical and technical constraints, including the presence of office infrastructure and the absence of alternative designated camps for NSCN-K personnel in the Dimapur area. He added that the CFSB office had been established after due verification and the issuance of a No Objection Certificate by the village authorities, in coordination with the Government of India.

Muru said any relocation would involve a procedural process requiring formal consultations with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the chairperson of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group. He declined to take questions from the media at the conclusion of the briefing.

Later in the evening, reports indicated that three additional members of the group allegedly involved in the abduction were handed over to the police. They were identified as Lovito, Hukhevi, and Viniho. However, the whereabouts and current status of the two senior cadres who were discharged earlier, Kiba and Chophy, remain unclear at the time of reporting.

The developments mark a rare instance of public contrition and internal disciplinary action by the outfit amid growing scrutiny from civil society and community organisations.

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