DIMAPUR, JULY 16 (MExN): A high level meeting called to review the security scenario of Dimapur witnessed outpouring of concern over the menace of extortion especially in the commercial hub of Dimapur. The meeting held on Saturday, July 16 later took the decision to form a committee to deal with the continuing and unrestrained menace of extortion. Later after hearing the statements and viewpoints discussed, the Home Minister pointed out that it was unnecessary to declare extortion as illegal because it is itself a criminal offence and thus, illegal by its very nature. He also said that the Naga groups indulging in extortion is a violation of the ceasefire ground rules.
Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) - overburdened with monetary demands from the several underground groups and on the other hand, the lack of teeth in the administrative machinery and the police to comprehensively suppress the nuisance had cautioned of a business shutdown in Dimapur.
Security review meeting announce formation of committee
Chaired by the Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, the meeting heard the pitiable case of an extortion-battered business community. It even had in attendance, Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi and MLA & Advisor Azheto Zhimomi. The police set up was led by the Director General of Police, K. Kire, District Superintendent of Police Z. Mero and his subordinates as well as the Assam Rifles and the CRPF. The administrative machinery was led by Additional Chief Secretary Bano Z Jamir and the outgoing Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Maong Aier besides, the Dimapur Municipal Council led by chief advisor K. Keditsu. The business community was represented by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the NMDA. Representatives of Naga Council Dimapur were also present. It was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The Home Minister solicited the case of the business community. The heart of the matter was no doubt extortion. On this the Home Minister demanded that the ‘demand notes’ which the businesses have received be presented as evidence and handed over to the police.
NMDA president Ato Yepthomi reminding the meeting that they have in the ready the various ‘demands notes’, meanwhile demanded why the government is not doing anything when phone numbers are splashed in the newspapers by the cadres themselves of the various factions. “I think that is (evidence) enough.” He also sought clarification on the ceasefire ground rules, which groups are in ceasefire with the Government of India and whether it is in the ceasefire agreement to allow extortion. He further sought adequate police patrols in the stretch of Nyamo Lotha Road while opining that there is no point in stationing patrol vehicles at Dhobinullah when a Police Assistance Booth is nearby at Holy Cross junction.
DCCI president Hokivi Chishi expressing dismay over the government’s inaction, questioned why it is not doing anything when extortion calls were made from the same mobile numbers splashed in the newspapers. When the government cannot stand for its own officials who were issued threats, what can we (business community) expect from the government? he construed.
The DCCI president appealed upon the factions not to take undue advantage of power. “We’re not challenging them (rather) we’re only appealing not to abuse power.” The government should also come clear on which group is in ceasefire. He further demanded that ‘underground tax’ be declared illegal, shutting of all check-gates and the setting up of a special anti-extortion cell.
Joel Kath speaking on behalf of the Naga Council Dimapur called for more stringent laws. “The Nagaland government must have the political will to tackle the problem,” he said. Reminding that Nagaland has the highest police-public ratio in the country at one policeman for every eighty people, said that the state police force has enough manpower to provide security to every person.
‘Community policing’ which was introduced only recently is failing with reports of the volunteers themselves indulging in tax collection, he said.
It was followed by a closed-door meeting of the government machinery. Later addressing the media, the Home Minister declared the formation of a committee to deal with the matters discussed in the meeting. The members of the committee though were not disclosed citing security concerns. The usual ‘anti-social activities and extortion will be curbed’ he said further adding that there is no loophole in the security apparatus of Dimapur.
Contradicting the earlier statements made by the business community, the Home Minister said that the businessmen are not coming forward with evidence. He nevertheless, assured the sincerity of the government machinery in seriously looking into the matter at hand.
Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) - overburdened with monetary demands from the several underground groups and on the other hand, the lack of teeth in the administrative machinery and the police to comprehensively suppress the nuisance had cautioned of a business shutdown in Dimapur.
Security review meeting announce formation of committee
Chaired by the Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, the meeting heard the pitiable case of an extortion-battered business community. It even had in attendance, Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi and MLA & Advisor Azheto Zhimomi. The police set up was led by the Director General of Police, K. Kire, District Superintendent of Police Z. Mero and his subordinates as well as the Assam Rifles and the CRPF. The administrative machinery was led by Additional Chief Secretary Bano Z Jamir and the outgoing Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Maong Aier besides, the Dimapur Municipal Council led by chief advisor K. Keditsu. The business community was represented by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the NMDA. Representatives of Naga Council Dimapur were also present. It was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The Home Minister solicited the case of the business community. The heart of the matter was no doubt extortion. On this the Home Minister demanded that the ‘demand notes’ which the businesses have received be presented as evidence and handed over to the police.
NMDA president Ato Yepthomi reminding the meeting that they have in the ready the various ‘demands notes’, meanwhile demanded why the government is not doing anything when phone numbers are splashed in the newspapers by the cadres themselves of the various factions. “I think that is (evidence) enough.” He also sought clarification on the ceasefire ground rules, which groups are in ceasefire with the Government of India and whether it is in the ceasefire agreement to allow extortion. He further sought adequate police patrols in the stretch of Nyamo Lotha Road while opining that there is no point in stationing patrol vehicles at Dhobinullah when a Police Assistance Booth is nearby at Holy Cross junction.
DCCI president Hokivi Chishi expressing dismay over the government’s inaction, questioned why it is not doing anything when extortion calls were made from the same mobile numbers splashed in the newspapers. When the government cannot stand for its own officials who were issued threats, what can we (business community) expect from the government? he construed.
The DCCI president appealed upon the factions not to take undue advantage of power. “We’re not challenging them (rather) we’re only appealing not to abuse power.” The government should also come clear on which group is in ceasefire. He further demanded that ‘underground tax’ be declared illegal, shutting of all check-gates and the setting up of a special anti-extortion cell.
Joel Kath speaking on behalf of the Naga Council Dimapur called for more stringent laws. “The Nagaland government must have the political will to tackle the problem,” he said. Reminding that Nagaland has the highest police-public ratio in the country at one policeman for every eighty people, said that the state police force has enough manpower to provide security to every person.
‘Community policing’ which was introduced only recently is failing with reports of the volunteers themselves indulging in tax collection, he said.
It was followed by a closed-door meeting of the government machinery. Later addressing the media, the Home Minister declared the formation of a committee to deal with the matters discussed in the meeting. The members of the committee though were not disclosed citing security concerns. The usual ‘anti-social activities and extortion will be curbed’ he said further adding that there is no loophole in the security apparatus of Dimapur.
Contradicting the earlier statements made by the business community, the Home Minister said that the businessmen are not coming forward with evidence. He nevertheless, assured the sincerity of the government machinery in seriously looking into the matter at hand.
