Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: A targeted IED explosion in Chümoukedima killed one Assam Rifles soldier and left four others seriously injured on July 13. The blast occurred near Khopanala and impacted personnel traveling toward NH-29. A wave of condemnation followed from organizations across the region, with groups demanding a swift, transparent investigation to track down those responsible.
The Naga Students’ Federation, led by Mteisuding and Kenilo Kent, decried the attack as a desperate attempt to reignite violence. The federation stated: “The strength of the Naga people has always lain in our resilience, unity and unwavering belief that lasting peace can never be achieved through violence, but only through understanding, justice and dialogue.”
The Angami Youth Organisation and Chakhroma Gaon Burah Association slammed the ambush as a cowardly act alien to local traditions. Local leaders, including Silhoulie Kruse and Neichüvoto Kiso of the CGBA, emphasized that violence threatens the safety of all villagers. The Chümoukedima Circle, Chakhroma Public Organisation and Western Sümi Students’ Union echoed these sentiments, noting the incident endangers commuters and students. The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum urged believers to pray for the victims and cautioned against sabotage of the ongoing peace process.
Political factions also weighed in. The NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) and NNC/FGN denounced the violence, stressing that such acts undermine the Naga political cause and violate ceasefire ground rules. The NNC/FGN specifically called the attack a “heinous and vile” disruption. Meanwhile, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation emphasized that peace is indivisible and urged society to reject divisive agendas.
The International Human Rights Council's Nagaland Chapter demanded that perpetrators be brought to justice while upholding due process. A corrigendum regarding a separate statement clarified that the use of IEDs violates international humanitarian norms, including the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment. Authorities continue to face calls to identify the culprits and ensure they face the full severity of the law.
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