Controversial Village Head from Assam Killed in Dimapur

Abdul Kayum Talukdar, a businessman from Assam and the Gaon Bura (village head) of New Market in Dimapur, Nagaland, was killed by unknown armed assailants on Friday night. Originally from Khatkhuti in Assam, Talukdar was shot between 9 and 9:30 PM near Signal Basti market.

Talukdar’s appointment as a non-indigenous Gaon Bura has been controversial since 2023, when the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) revealed his non-local origins. The Rising People’s Party (RPP) had also called for his removal.

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton expressed his grief and condemnation on X (formerly Twitter), urging a swift investigation. “This heinous act of violence, which took the life of Mr. Talukdar, is an attack on peace and security in our society,” Patton stated. He called on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and expressed solidarity with the grieving family and community.

The New Market Business Welfare Committee (NMBEC) under Ward 19 condemned the incident and called for a shutterdown in the locality on Saturday.