Dimapur, July 6: Clarifying the July 3 incident at Niu Colony, NSCN-IM (UT-1) Secretary Solomon Sumi said the operation was “purely a war against drugs” and was not targeted against any individual or organization.
Addressing a press conference, Sumi alleged that the son of a senior leader of NSCN-U (Alezo) was involved in consuming and selling drugs. He said their personnel traced the suspect after questioning a 45-year-old alleged drug buyer, who led them to a 31-year-old suspect residing at Niu Colony.
He further alleged that their personnel were physically assaulted by members of NSCN-U (Alezo), causing the situation to escalate. He denied that NSCN-IM (UT-1) opened fire or attempted to forcibly take away the suspect, instead claiming that the suspect’s father fired the shots. He also denied allegations of taking ₹20,000, stating that only mobile phones were seized as part of their standard procedure and that the operation was conducted at the son’s residence, not the father’s house.
Highlighting the growing drug menace in Nagaland, Sumi said drug abuse has been rising across the state and stressed the need for collective efforts to combat the problem. He further announced that NSCN-IM (UT-1) plans to establish a rehabilitation centre later this year to help individuals battling drug addiction.
