Kohima: Nagaland’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma, has urged residents to leverage the state’s tribal organizations and civil society groups to report cases of kidnapping for ransom carried out by underground outfits.
Speaking at an official event, DGP Sharma emphasized the importance of public cooperation in tackling the issue, which has seen incidents reported in areas such as Dimapur and Kohima.
Acknowledging the challenges individuals face in filing police complaints, the DGP highlighted the state’s robust network of tribal organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups. “It is difficult for individuals to lodge police complaints, but in Nagaland, there is a vibrant system of tribal organisations, civil society groups, and NGOs. We urge the public to make use of them to file complaints and stay behind the curtains,” he stated.
DGP Sharma stressed the need for trust between the public and law enforcement, urging citizens to utilize these groups to report abductions discreetly. “We have been doing our best and will continue our efforts, but the public needs to come to the police and share information,” he added.
The issue of abductions was brought into sharper focus following the recent October 10 kidnapping of two businessmen by the NSCN-K (Nikki-Sumi) faction in Dimapur.
DGP Sharma revealed that the police have made significant progress in identifying those responsible, stating, “We have narrowed down on identifying the cadres involved.” However, he acknowledged that the suspects had gone into hiding, and efforts to apprehend them were ongoing.
The DGP also extended an appeal to the Nikki-Sumi faction to cooperate in ensuring the arrest of the kidnappers, suggesting it could be an opportunity for the group to improve its relations with the public.
At the same time, he issued a stern warning against harboring those involved in the crime, stating that law enforcement would take action against anyone providing shelter to the suspects.
Addressing broader concerns over security, DGP Sharma expressed disappointment over the persistence of kidnapping cases despite increased patrols and coordination between the state police, Assam Rifles, and other security agencies. He reiterated the police’s commitment to enhancing vigilance and tackling such crimes across Nagaland.
Read More: Manipur CM N Biren Singh and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Discuss Acceleration of Highway Projects