AYO flags enforcement nexus after IMFL seizure

DIMAPUR, JUN 4 (NPN): Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) said it had seized a truckload of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) on the midnight of May 29 after its volunteers intercepted a truck (AS01EC-4296) near Mt. Tabor on the Jotsoma by-pass road.
In a statement, AYO president Petevituo Nakhro and general secretary Vipu Zashümo said its volunteers found the truck being unloaded and searched by fully masked personnel of para-military forces. Upon intervention, it was discovered that the vehicle was carrying a full load of IMFL liquor. AYO alleged that the armed personnel fled the scene on the spur of the moment, prompting the volunteers to report the suspicious act of the armed personnel to the AYO office. Since the issue was serious, AYO said it subsequently seized the consignment and kept it under its custody.
AYO said its inquiry revealed an alleged nexus between some officers/personnel of law the enforcement agencies and those involved in the illegal activity, describing the situation as alarming and deeply concerning. The organisation alleged that such collusion enabled the movement of large quantities of illegal items despite regular frisking at various points along the national highway and other routes leading to Kohima. AYO said it viewed the matter with utmost seriousness.
Questioning the lackadaisical approach of authorities in implementing Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, AYO alleged that the Act had become a facilitator in strengthening the nexus between certain state agencies and smugglers.
It said that the modus operandi was benefiting only some kingpins, both smugglers and hand-in-glove officers at the cost of state revenue.
AYO strongly condemned such alleged collusion and asserted that it would not remain a mute spectator to the unholy alliance, detrimental to society. The organisation maintained that it would continue to safeguard public welfare and initiate appropriate action whenever such activities came to its notice.
The organisation stated that as law abiding citizens, it handed over the seized consignment to the Excise and Prohibition department, Kohima, in the presence of deputy commissioner (zonal), E&PD, Kohima; Jotsoma Youth Organisation and Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation. AYO also expressed gratitude to JYO and TYO for their support and cooperation.
Further, AYO said it would remain vigilant against illegal activities within its jurisdiction and warned that trafficking, sale, possession or transaction of illicit substances, as well as other unlawful activities, would invite appropriate action.
AYO said its youth volunteer force remains on high alert and continues to work for the welfare and security of the community. It warned that any threat, intimidation, harassment or retaliation against its volunteers or any law-abiding citizen who reports illegal activities would be viewed with utmost seriousness. The organisation added that it would take all necessary steps to address such acts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.