Headlines       Vol. 2 Issue 1-2

May 7- May 21 , 1999

Strike's success shows resentment against extortion The success of the strike call given by the All Dimapur Businessmen and Shopkeepers Association on April 26 and 27 last clearly proves that how far the extortion and abduction for ransom by the Naga undergrounds have made the life miserable for the people in State. The strike also reflects the degree of unhappiness of the people against extortion and other similar undesirable activities of the undergrounds. Earlier, the traders and businessmen in Kohima had also observed similar programmes of protest against underground activities. It is learnt that the NSCN (IM) is unhappy over this bandh call as it damages its image and is trying to identify those responsible for the call.Recently, the underground activists had kidnapped a bank executive at gun-point. The bank executive was released after three days in captivity after part payment of the ransom amount. The local police have registered a case in this regard but no arrest has so far been made. It may be mentioned here that armed individuals in the name of both NCSN (K) and NSCN (IM) are forcing the Nagas as well as the non-Nagas to pay up. Fear of gun has prevented display of resentment by individual victims. However, the ground situation is gradually turning against such anti-social activities. Extortion has become a virtual industry and severely affects the development activities in the State. People, who are opposed to rampant extortion and 'taxes' by the anti-social elements are extremely critical of the security forces and the police as well and have started questioning the utility of ceasefire. Reports regarding construction of big houses in the State by some middle level underground leaders have only increased public frustration over the issue. Earlier in September 1998, Naga Hoho had also urged the outfits not to indulge in false and unauthorised collection which is proving an unbearable burden to the people thereby strangulating economic growth. The prevailing condition in the State came up for discussion also in the recently concluded conference of the Sangtam Tribal Council when some members talked about the developmental work being hampered in Sangtam area due to extortions by the NSCN (IM) and a resolution was adopted urging stopping of extortion in the name of taxes by the underground outfits. Meanwhile, Chaplee Kilonser (finance minister) of the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) Zeluolie Angami disclosed recently that the extension of ceasefire for six months by the organisation was meant to fecilitate the proposed unification of the outfit with the NSCN (IM). He further revealed that this would be done by allowing free movement of intermediaries like emissaries of the Church and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) led by the Naga Hoho. Regarding the outfit's refusal in declaring a formal truce with the Union Government, Mr. Angami said that Mr. Khaplang had already made it clear that there should not be any precondition attached. formal acceptance of the ceasefire. He further said that Mr. Khaplang had made it clear to the leaders of the Naga Hoho who met him in north Myanmar that his outfit still stood by its open door policy which involves give and take as well as the spirit of forgive and forget. Mr. Angami clearly stated that nothing less than independence is acceptable to the Nagas.Defending the execution of the two rapists, the NSCN (K) leader claimed that they were killed after the formalities were carried out according to the laws of the NSCN (K) government.

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