Student leader killed by alleged drug-peddler in Tizit

May 26, 2023 82 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 26

Tension prevailed in Mon district’s Tizit town on the morning of May 25, following the alleged murder of one Ahoa Konyak, Action Committee Chairman of Tizit Area Students’ Union (TASU) by an alleged drug peddler during an anti-drug inspection drive carried out by the student body within its jurisdiction.

According to a Mon police report, at around 8:00 to 9:00 AM in the morning, TASU while carrying out checking of drug peddlers in Tizit town accosted the accused (Menshan Konyak, aged 30) known to be a drug peddler. During the altercation, the accused had allegedly attacked them with a dao, delivering a fatal blow to the victim, Ahoa Konyak, who died on the spot.

The accused has been taken into police custody. Meanwhile, public in anger, set fire to the house of the accused, although no one was injured, the police said.

Meanwhile President of the Konyak Students Union (KSU), Noklem Konyak said “It is very unfortunate and sad to know that this happened, we strongly condemn this act. He recalled that as an individual, late Ahoa was humble, dedicated and sincere who will be missed by all.

He meanwhile reported that they were in talks with the DC and the police about the prevailing situation and a team of the KSU and Konyak Union have also reached the area.

In regard to the existing drug menace, he stated that it was not only the responsibility of the civil societies, administration or the police but the public should join hands in tackling the issue at large. “Every right thinking citizen should condemn this act,” he commented. Furthermore, the anti-drug campaign had been a long standing resolution of the KSU, he said.

Patton, Paiwang, KSU, KU and NSF condemn
Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Paiwang Konyak condemned the “gruesome act” and urged the law enforcing agencies to conduct an honest investigation and deliver justice to the victim and his family without delay.

The Minister, in a press statement, said Ahoa was a young and dedicated leader who stood tall for the welfare of the student community. “His commitment, passion and sacrifice for the Students’ Union will never be forgotten,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton took to Twitter to condemn the brutal act, and urged the citizens of Tizit and across Nagaland to remain calm and let the law take its course.

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) while condemning the act demanded befitting punishment for the the culprit. They also appealed to the concerned authority to immediately set up all measures to curb the inflow of drugs and other illegal substances.

The KSU reported that one of the burning issues and widely discussed at all levels of authority was the grave menace of alcohol and drug abuse, particularly in Mon and Nagaland in general. Much of the measures undertaken by the government related to curb drug trade have remained a dead policy till date, they observed.

The KU said that it has been a prime agenda of the union to annihilate the scourge of illicit drug – usage and substances in the district. It informed that the union has conducted inspections periodically. However, they added that as a student body the union possess no sufficient resources, manpower and legal assistance to achieve the desired goal.

“The recent incident is a Wake-up Call for Konyak Community and we will be compelled to act on our own volition if the Government remain adamant and the latter will be held solely responsible for any untoward consequences,” it said.

KU implores state government to implement “shoot at sight” policy”
It meanwhile urged the authorities to declare a state of war against drug users and peddlers, going to the extent of implementing a “shoot-at-sigh” policy. The KU also said that no individual or entity should seek bail for the accused, as it would be a direct challenge against the Konyak civil societies.

“The menace they pose to our society and the threats they impose on humanity cannot be tolerated any longer. We must take decisive action to protect our communities from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and trafficking,” the KU stated.

The KU further asked the State Government to provide the victim’s family with ex-gratia and financial assistance, “acknowledging the sacrifice made by late Ahoa Konyak in his noble pursuit of social causes.”