A pastor in Naukhuti Town fell victim to a violent attack by a member of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Khango) faction. The incident, which occurred on 24 August, has ignited widespread condemnation from local organisations and prompted swift action from community leaders. The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has strongly denounced the assault, emphasising its grave implications for community peace and safety.
Details of the attack
On 24 August, Mr. Rhanlamo Kikon, pastor of the Yanpha Baptist Church, was travelling from Dimapur to Yanpha Village when he encountered Akhevi, son of Ahovi, a cadre of the NSCN-K(Khango). The confrontation took a dangerous turn as Akhevi allegedly fired a pistol at point-blank range, in what has been described as a premeditated attempt on the pastor’s life.
The LSU, in their press release dated 25 August, stated, “Akhevi S/o Ahovi brutally assaulted Mr. Rhanlamo Kikon with a deliberate and premeditated attack involving a point-blank pistol firing with the explicit intent of murder.” This act of violence has left the community in shock and demanding justice.
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Community response and legal action
In response to this alarming incident, the Yanpha Village Council and Yanpha Baptist Church filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Akhevi on 25 August. The complainants have called for immediate action from the authorities, setting a 24-hour deadline for necessary measures to be taken. They have warned that if no action is taken within this timeframe, they will be compelled to pursue their own course of action.
The LSU has taken a firm stance against the attack, emphasising the importance of protecting spiritual leaders who play crucial roles in maintaining community harmony. “Every individual deserves to live in an environment free from fear, exploitation, and harm,” the LSU stated, adding that “Any form of abuse against one is utterly reprehensible.”
Calls for accountability and prevention
The students’ union has directed appeals to the NSCN/GPRN(Khango) faction, urging them to reevaluate their recruitment policies and take a firm stand against members who engage in violent acts. They have called on the faction to “condemn this barbaric act and enforce policies to eradicate such heinous deeds by its cadres.”
Furthermore, the LSU has demanded that the concerned authorities take immediate action to address this incident seriously and award appropriate punishment to the culprit. They have also called for measures to be put in place to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
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As Pastor Kikon recovers from this traumatic experience, the LSU has pledged its unwavering support in his pursuit of justice and recovery. The union has expressed its solidarity and empathy towards the pastor and has urged all right-thinking citizens to join them in condemning this atrocity and demanding accountability from those responsible.
