Taking a strong note of the recent gunning down of an extortionist in a retaliatory action by Kohima Police Anti-Extortion Squad, the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) declared that it was firmly opposed to any form of extortion within Angami jurisdiction by gun-toting individuals and warned that such activities would not be tolerated.
But since the incident also led to the unfortunate death of the alleged extortionist, AYO president Kekhrie Pfukha and joint secretary Petevito Nakhro, in a release, appealed to the authorities concerned to ensure that a transparent process was put in place so that public faith on the police was strengthened. This would go a long way in preventing unnecessary loss of lives and allow smooth functioning of the anti-extortion squad, whose mandate was to ensure a safe and conducive environment for businesses to flourish, it added.
AYO asserted that rule of law should prevail at all cost within its jurisdiction, since it was the only thing that stood between anarchy and dictatorship.
Mentioning that it was deeply troubled at some organisations, following the incident, had used the death of the alleged extortionist as an opportune moment to justify extortion from businesses citing the Naga cause and other numerous reasons, instead of condemning it, the organisation said that any attempt to justify extortion and illegal activities under the false garb of fighting for the Naga cause was shameful.
“This push to extol extortionist is in bad taste and is dishonouring the Naga struggle for autonomy. It must be pointed out that many honourable men and women have laid down their lives for the Naga cause and had achieved martyrdom in the process. It would be a great disservice and injustice to club our martyrs together with the men whose activities harm the very people they claim to be fighting for,” the release emphasised. AYO pointed out that Angami organisations had always stood for free trade and commerce within their jurisdiction without any discrimination, which had ensured various businesses to thrive.
With unemployment rate rising to alarming levels in the society, the organisation said was imperative that a conducive environment was built for businesses to flourish. However, extortion had become the greatest impediment for educated unemployed Naga youth from venturing into business, trade, etc, which must be eradicated at the earliest. And by standing up against extortion, AYO said it was confident that it was speaking on behalf of a silent majority of Naga people.
The Angami youth body also expressed its pain at having seen attempts made by many tribal hohos in general, and a few in particular, to paint every issue with a tribal colour, be it the recent shooting in Kohima or the issue concerning BSL-3 Lab. In the midst of a deadly pestilence, AYO said it was unfortunate that such organisations claiming to represent their respective tribes could resort to divisive and destabilising tactics, asserting that it would never encourage its youth to be poisoned by divisive and tribalistic rhetoric.
Even as such organisation tried to drive a wedge in the Naga society, AYO said it was reassuring to find governor RN Ravi having taken note of the real issues affecting every Naga, especially the deteriorating law and order situation in the State.
Mentioning that it was reflective of his genuine proactive involvement in the governance of the State, AYO also thanked the governor for his efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asserting that it stood for law and order in the State, the organisation urged all sections of Naga society to stay away from “poisonous, divisive and tribalistic rhetoric” being pushed by some bodies.