Hard facts

RECENTLY, an obscure Kuki underground organisation kidnapped the second son of veteran Manipuri politician Rishang Keishing. Many thought, as Rishang Keishing is the ‘nationalist voice’ in that part of the country, ideological differences might be the cause behind the said kidnapping. But as the drama unfolded, it was found that the politician’s son was abducted

simply for money. Finding that Rishang’s son was moving freely without any security, the underground outfit exploited the situation to make some quick money. The above said incident clearly shows that insurgency has now become a lucrative profession in the North-East. The Kuki underground organisation became richer by Rs. 14 lakhs by kidnapping Rishang’s son. As a matter of fact, kidnapping and extortion have become such a lucrative profession in the North-East that despite people’s cry peace, underground organizations have mushroomed in the region. Couple of years ago, when Issak Swu and T. Muivah visited Nagaland, people from all walks of life, especially the businessmen complained against NSCN (IM) cadres for indulging in massive extortion in the name of freedom struggle. They even alleged that funds collected in the name of freedom struggle were being misused for personal purposes.

The businessmen even lodged specific complaints against some NSCN (IM) functionaries giving full details of properties acquired by them. Sensing the mood of the people, NSCN (IM) leadership promised to conduct an enquiry in to the alleged misuse of funds. But till today, the people are in the dark about the outcome of the said enquiry. Unemployed North-Eastern youths have become easy prey for the underground organisations active in that part of the country. Insurgency is thriving in the region as the youths are being easily lured away by insurgent outfits. Lack of employment opportunities, poverty, and backwardness force the youths to choose a life full with uncertainty rather than a secured and prestigious life. It is for the Government to prevent this waste of valuable human resources. Otherwise, the North-East region will continue to strive for peace for endless years.

|  Headlines  |  Editorial   | From Other Publications  |
|  Travel Column   |   News Briefs  |
| OT Main Page | Nena  Home Page  |