Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton has assured strict and speedy action against crimes involving women and minors, stating that the state government has taken serious note of recent incidents and directed law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations. Speaking to reporters at Dimapur Airport, Patton described the reported cases as “very unfortunate” and said the government was committed to ensuring justice for victims and their families. The deputy chief minister said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to handle the cases and carry out a thorough investigation. According to him, the SIT is being headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police and has been instructed to complete its work at the earliest.
“We have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a deputy commissioner of police. I have directed them to complete the investigation at the earliest,” Patton said. He stressed that the government would closely monitor the progress of the investigations and ensure that the law takes its course. The remarks come amid growing public concern over incidents involving crimes against women and children in the state. During the interaction with the media, Patton also spoke about the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Nagaland and Assam relating to oil exploration activities in areas along the inter-state boundary. He said a delegation from Nagaland had held discussions with the Union Petroleum Minister regarding the matter and added that the process for awarding exploration contracts would be conducted through an open and transparent bidding system. Patton noted that the agreement was expected to facilitate the development of hydrocarbon resources while ensuring that due procedures are followed in the allocation of exploration rights.
Responding to questions on reports of the alleged open sale of alcohol during an exhibition football match, the deputy chief minister said the matter has already been brought to the attention of the concerned authorities. He stated that a detailed inquiry would be conducted to ascertain the facts and determine whether any rules were violated. On the issue of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), Patton said representatives of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) would soon travel to New Delhi to hold discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He expressed hope that continued dialogue between the stakeholders and the central government would help address concerns related to the issue. Patton reiterated the state government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring transparency in governance and addressing public concerns through appropriate administrative and legal measures.
