Kohima Police are left grappling with the reported abortive bid on the life of press secretary to CM Abu Metha Thursday night after returning back home at Lerie near SBI branch.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 8.40 p.m. when Abu Metha was inside his compound. As the he returned from duty, miscreants fired at him from near his entry gate above. He however had a providential escape with no harm or injury as the bullets missed him.

Police on receiving information rushed to the spot and searched the entire compound and the surrounding area but failed to find any clue. Search operation resumed Friday morning but police reportedly failed to get any lead including bullet mark or empty case.

The police were even more puzzled as the CRPF personnel on duty guarding the SBI Lerie Branch right opposite to the place of the incident reportedly told them that they did not see anybody around at that time but that they heard gun-shots a little below the road.

Rio, NPF, orgs condemn 
CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed shock over the assassination bid on the life of Abu Metha. Rio has condemned the “dastardly and cowardly” act in the strongest manner.

The chief minister appealed to all citizens to “try and settle” disputes or differences in a democratic and civilized manner and to abjure violence as means for settling such disputes.

NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) has strongly condemned the attempt on the life of the press secretary to state chief minister.

NPF Working committee said that it condemned such act of cowardice and such action should find no room in a society which was desperately craving for peace.

In a statement, NPF working committee member secretary K. G. Kenye said the committee has requested all to refrain from violence and abjure from resorting to such means.

In another statement, NPF central-Press Bureau vice president, T.L. Merry said the incident called for “outright condemnation” by all.  The statement said that Abu Metha was a hardworking young Naga leader who contested 2008 general elections on NPF ticket from Dimapur III A/C. While thanking God for the “providential care”, Merry said the NPF Press Bureau condemned the “cowardly and senseless” act.

Kohima Press Club has condemned the reported attempt on the life of Abu Metha Thursday night as he was walking towards his private residence in Lerie colony.

Stating that he is not only the press secretary to the chief minister of Nagaland but also the former editor of ‘Eastern Mirror’, KPC, while condemning the act of the assailant(s) has asked the law enforcing agency to speed up the investigation and book the culprit(s) at the earliest.

NAPO: Northern Angami Public Organization (NAPO) has expressed shock over the abortive attempt on the life of Abu Metha. NAPO president Vilie-o Rutsa and general secretary Zhasalie Soliezuo in a statement strongly condemned the “cowardly act meted out to one of its innocent member”. The organization also appealed to all to condemn the act.

NSF: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly condemned the attempt to assassinate Abu Metha by unknown miscreants.

The Federation while terming the incident as premeditated by “thug assassins” said that it an act “demeaning the Naga society” in its call for a culture peace.

NSF general secretary N. Ejanthung Ngullie in a statement said that NSF would extend all cooperation towards the investigating authority for apprehending the culprits at the earliest.

CVC: Chiechama Village Council (CVC) and Chiechama community has also strongly condemned the shooting and life attempt on Abu Metha. In a statement, CVC chairman Mhalezolie Metha and secretary Roukuzolie Rupreo said termed the attack as “evil and unwanted violence” that does not belong to any civilized society.

Stating that CVC considered the act not just only an attack on an individual, both the chairman and the secretary said that it was an attack on the entire community and a “direct challenge” on them.

While appealing to the state government for a high level inquiry, CVC also demanded exemplary punishment to the miscreants.

Pointing out that violence would only create more hatred and further divide the Naga society, CVC appealed to all sections of the society to extend cooperation in bringing the miscreants to book.

CRDK: Chiechama Ramia Dzevi Krotho (CRDK) has vehemently condemned the indiscriminate shooting and attempt on the life of Abu Metha.

Calling the act as “intolerable”, CRDK president Kelhousilie Sanchu in a statement said the ‘Krotho’ out rightly denounced any intention directed at “taking the life” of respectable member by any individual or organization.

CRDK appealed to the competent authorities to immediately investigate into the incident, book the culprits and deliver justice at the earliest.