Chümoukedima, January 22: A 56-year-old businessman and transporter, Kiyeto Zhimomi, has alleged that he was abducted and assaulted by cadres of the NSCN (K) Khango–Vusshe group from Mishikito village on January 19. According to Zhimomi, the abductors demanded ₹40 lakh and released him around 2 a.m. the following day. No immediate official statement was issued by the police at the time of the initial complaint.
Reacting to the incident, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y. Patton said he has directed Director General of Police Rupin Sharma to take immediate action to identify and apprehend those involved. Addressing the media, Patton asserted that the government would take stern action and emphasised that such incidents would not be tolerated.
Patton appealed to all factions to refrain from anti-social activities and said it is the responsibility of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell to control and seize unauthorised arms and ammunition. Referring to alleged violations of ceasefire ground rules, he said discussions would be held with the Ceasefire Monitoring Chairman, adding that the state cabinet would meet soon to take further decisions on the matter.
Meanwhile, the NSCN (Khango–Vusshe) group claimed responsibility for the abduction, alleging that Zhimomi had failed to pay what it termed “legitimate national taxes” for over one and a half years. The group further accused him of involvement in illegal activities, including transportation of poppy seeds, operating illegal godowns, dealing in stolen vehicles, and acting as an informant for Indian security forces. The outfit maintained that the incident was neither extortion nor kidnapping, asserting that its members are “national workers.” These allegations are yet to be independently verified.
The state government, however, condemned the incident, reiterating that abduction and violence are unacceptable and would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Strong reactions also emerged from civil society. The Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF) expressed strong outrage and condemnation over the abduction of Kiyeto Zhimomi, who is also the Head GB of Vikuho village. The organisation described the act as a grave provocation and a blatant violation of ceasefire ground rules, calling it an assault on the security, dignity and peace of the Sümi community.
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While noting that Zhimomi was released following an ultimatum, the WSYF said the release does not mitigate the gravity of the incident or absolve the perpetrators. The organisation stated that the circumstances surrounding the abduction and release would be thoroughly examined for truth and accountability, and directed Sümi youths to remain united and vigilant to safeguard community interests.
Police sources said investigations are ongoing, and further details are awaited as authorities seek to establish the sequence of events and verify competing claims related to the case.
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