Dimapur Police arrested all seven individuals involved in the assault case that occurred on the night of December 16-17, as confirmed by Commissioner of Police (CP) K Sophie on December 23. Among the accused, three were civilians, while the remaining four belonged to the NSCN-R (Akato) faction. The civilians were identified as I Khevito Yeptho (28), Itovi Yeptho (39), and Atoka Sumi (37), all residents of Thahekhu village. The cadres were identified as ‘SS 2nd Lt’ Kakuho Achumi (26), ‘SS Lt. Col.’ Jonathan Ngade (45), ‘SS Lt.’ Lumtsaba Sangtam (30), and ‘SS Lt.’ Holuvi Yeptho (34).
The incident reportedly stemmed from a minor collision between an Alto car and a scooty, escalating when the scooty riders, who later called NSCN-R cadres, demanded reparations. The situation worsened when three individuals from the car’s side were assaulted, leaving two critically injured.
Police seized an AK-47 rifle and a country-made .32 pistol used in the assault. CP Sophie condemned the involvement of underground groups in civilian disputes and appealed to all NPGs to deny shelter to criminals.
