Sending out a strong message, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) comprising of Watsu Telongjem (Women Hoho), Dimapur Ao Lanur Telongjem (Youth organization) and Ao Kaketshir Telongjem (students’ body) of Dimapur have jointly resolved not to tolerate any kind of random collection of money, extortion, demand or donation etc. by any individual, group, organization or association from any of its bonafide members.
This was the message sent through a joint statement by the presidents of ASTD L. Wati Jamir, WTD Yarsangla, DALT Aotemsu and AKTD Lanutoshi.
The resolution reads: “Henceforth any individual, groups, association, organization demanding any form of extortion, donation, taxation of whatever means and or random collection of money etc. without any tangible reason and proof thereto to any members of the Ao community advocating their livelihood (i.e. govt. employees, professionals, contractors, entrepreneurs, daily wage earners, etc,) and or palpable harassment meted out to any of its bonafide district, then the ASTD shall leave no stone unturned to apprehend the perpetrators and to bring to justice as per Ao customary laws and practices as well as per prevalent provisions and laws of the land.”
ASTD and its affiliates have further warned that in the event of any eventualities on the consequences of such action, ASTD may even impose indefinite total non-cooperation against such elements in the future.
The warning comes against the backdrop of recent incidents like the kidnapping of a lady from East Dimapur for ransom, illegal demand of money from labourers of a Church building construction at Aoyim Dimapur and the shooting at Riven Honda showroom.
On the other hand, ASTD has expressed sincere gratitude to the Public Action Committee (PAC) under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) for their prompt action in taking up the matter and for safeguarding the sanctity and integrity of the citizens of Dimapur in particular.
The union affirmed and assured the committee that the ASTD was “ever ready with open arms to extend all out effort and support towards any tangible initiative by the PAC in the days to come.