Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 23
MLA and Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu Kense asserted that the government is for promoting and protecting the interest of genuine entrepreneurs. “We will protect them and we will make sure that the projects are successful… these are the people who are going to be role models,” she said in an interview to digital outlet, Global Window, on the sideline of a public function in Dimapur on January 23.
Her comment, in reply to a query, came in the backdrop of the NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Hokato Vusshe) imposing or demanding a monetary penalty of Rs 50 lakh on an entrepreneur, Aolemba Longkumer for alleged misuse of a project fund for a Common Facility Centre under the Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) sponsored by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
She termed the issue a matter of great concern for the department and the state government.
According to her, Longkumer has a clean sheet, and one who has done very well. Contrary to the allegation hurled against Longkumer, she said that the project was on track, while adding that a departmental team has recently inspected the Common Facility Centre.
“The entrepreneur is not the person who is incharge of the contract and supply. He is a beneficiary,” stating that the project was taken up as a Special Purpose Vehicle in partnership with Longkumer, who has the expertise.
She maintained that the project was cleared by the Department of Industries and Commerce with the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation as the implementing agency. She said, “For the department, any type of project that is executed, we try to make sure that it is implemented well and the objectives met.”
While stating that the police was on the lookout for the accused, she asserted that the government is only accountable to the public and no other entity. “We are trying to settle this case without embarrassing anyone. But if they keep on doing unnecessary things, we will have no choice and it will be a very ugly situation,” she said.
AKM outraged over NSCN/GPRN
(Khango-Hokato Vusshe) statement
The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has meanwhile expressed outrage over the recent statements issued by the NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Hokato Vusshe) targeting Aolemba Longkumer in connection with the MSE-CDP scheme under the Ministry of MSME.
A press release from the AKM said that while it fully supports transparency and accountability in public matters, it questions the intent behind the singling out of Longkumer, “raising concerns over potential bias towards an individual and a specific community.” “Such actions appear to be an intentional attempt to malign the reputation of an esteemed figure and create unwarranted unrest among the public,” it stated.
“The pattern of behaviour has become increasingly troubling, evolving into a nuisance for the Naga society. Its actions, which border on organized extortion, are a direct threat to Naga entrepreneurs and businessmen who are striving to uplift the region's economy,” the AKM stated.
The AKM made clear that it will not tolerate any group threatening its citizens under any pretext. “We firmly stand with Aolemba Longkumer, a decorated entrepreneur and a beacon of inspiration for Naga youths. Any further threats or harassment directed at him will be taken very seriously and addressed accordingly,” it stressed.
The AKM also questioned the silence and inaction of the Government of Nagaland on this matter. It stated that the government, as the protector of its citizens, must take decisive and immediate steps to curb the increasing activities of Naga political groups and their “unwarranted interference in public and private affairs.”
