Various organisations have condemned the vandalisation of the All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) head office at Kohima on Saturday evening.
Strongly condemning the incident, ANTA president Dziesevituo Solo and general secretary Meyieho Hibo in a press release alleged that miscreants held the association’s general secretary at gunpoint and vandalised the office around 6 pm .
ANTA called for a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible were held accountable. Stating that the association worked for the welfare of taxi drivers and owners, the duo stated that the unwarranted vandalism of the ANTA head office by the miscreants and putting the life of one the office-bearers in danger was a clear act of cowardice and unacceptable, which needed to be seriously dealt as per law by the law enforcing agencies.
Expressing anguish over the vandalism, they also assured full cooperation to the law enforcing agencies regarding the matter.
BAN: The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) strongly condemned the attack perpetrated by individuals who “shamelessly enjoy living off the sweat and hard work of others”.
BAN president L Mongkum Jamir and general secretary Dr Yan Murry in a press release termed the incident a deplorable act that deserved utmost contempt. They said the abhorrent act had served as a stark reminder of the depths to which some individuals were willing to sink to further their own selfish interests.
“It is a callous disregard for the tireless efforts and valuable contributions made by the members of our business community. We stand firm in our condemnation of such despicable acts and send a clear message that they will not be tolerated. We firmly believe that an attack on one is an attack on all. We will not allow those who seek to exploit and prey on the hard work of others to disrupt our collective progress and prosperity,” BAN said.
They demanded that law enforcement agencies should take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the violent act. They insisted that the miscreants must be swiftly brought to justice and held accountable for their reprehensible action.
BAN stressed that it was only through the enforcement of the law that such acts of aggression could be deterred in the future and ensure the safety and security of the businesses community.
BAN also asserted that they remained steadfast in its unwavering commitment to fostering a business environment that was free from exploitation and cruelty displayed by these attackers.
BAN said they would continue to tirelessly advocate for the rights and well-being of business community members as they strived to create a secure and prosperous community for all.
BAN emphasised that the shameful and senseless attack would not define “us”, but instead serve as a “rallying cry, fuelling our determination to stand together shoulder to shoulder against those who seek to profit from the toil of others”.
“We will work towards a community that upholds the values of integrity, fairness and respect and build a future where hard work and dedication are honoured and rewarded,” BAN said.
NTWTA: Nagaland Two Wheeler Taxi Association (NTWTA) too expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the incident.
Association president Keneisalie Belho alleged that when an ANTA executive refused to meet the demand for yearly tax on the ground of one tax, one government, one the miscreant put a gun on the executive’s head even as the others vandalised the office.
He said the act not only reflected lack of regards for others’ property, but also showed a complete disregard for societal values and declared this completely unacceptable .
According to Belho, the ANTA head office had been providing essential services to the community and facilitating safe and reliable means of transportation to the public under the leadership of Solo.
He said the fact that such an act had been carried out against a well-established and respected taxi association office like ANTA was particularly distressing.
He requested the law enforcing agencies to take immediate step to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice at the earliest. He stressed that it was crucial that those responsible for the act of vandalism should face appropriate legal consequences.
He also declared that NTWTA stood united ANTA and extended support and solidarity.