Nagaland: NSCN-IM, political parties condemn deadly IED blast, vow support for peace process

Dimapur, July 14: Condemnation poured in from the NSCN/GPRN (NSCN-IM), political parties, civil society organisations and the Nagaland government on Tuesday following the deadly improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Chümoukedima district that killed an Assam Rifles jawan and injured four others.

In a strongly worded statement, the NSCN/GPRN (NSCN-IM) described the explosion near Khopanala, Sukhovi, as a “cowardly terrorist act” aimed at disrupting the fragile peace and stability in the region.

“The NSCN/GPRN unequivocally condemns the cowardly terrorist act of planting and detonating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Such indiscriminate acts of violence serve no legitimate purpose other than to spread fear, create chaos and undermine the peaceful atmosphere that the people have long desired and worked to preserve,” the organisation said.

The outfit reiterated its commitment to the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement and said it remained bound by the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines, asserting that such weapons have no place in a society striving for peace.

Calling the blast an attack on both the victims and the region’s peace process, the NSCN-IM said it would make every effort to ascertain the truth behind the incident and identify those responsible.

The GPRN/NSCN (Unification) also condemned the explosion, warning that such violence could undermine public confidence and adversely affect the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue. It called for a fair and time-bound investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice while urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio termed the blast a “cowardly act” and said those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.

“The bomb blast at Chümoukedima is a cowardly act that has no place in our society. We will not allow such acts to threaten the peace and security of our people,” Rio said.

Governor Nand Kishore Yadav expressed profound grief over the incident and strongly condemned the attack.

Deputy Chief Minister (Home) Y. Patton described the blast as a direct assault on peace and security, while Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang said violence had no place in Naga society.

Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election Tovihoto Ayemi also condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Political parties and civil society organisations joined the chorus of condemnation.

The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland, denounced the blast, saying it was “a direct attack on the peace, trust and future” of the state. It paid tribute to the slain jawan, Havildar Mohammad Iqbal, expressed solidarity with the Assam Rifles, and demanded a swift and impartial investigation.

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Nagaland unit, also condemned the violence and extended support to the security forces.

The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) strongly denounced the blast, demanded immediate action against those responsible and appealed for justice.

An Assam Rifles jawan, Havildar Mohammad Iqbal, was killed and four others were injured in the suspected IED explosion near Sukhovi in Chümoukedima district on Monday while security personnel were moving through the area near the Assam Rifles training centre.

A joint search operation has since been launched, with security forces combing the area to trace those behind the attack.

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