More organizations have denounced the extortion demand of Rs 50 lakh and harassment of Aolemba Longkumer on December 16 by cadres of the NSCN (Khango).
Chümoukedima, Dimapur youth bodies: Various Naga youth organisations of Chümoukedima and Dimapur condemned the extortion demand on the Naga innovator and social entrepreneur.
Noting that he had not only won several accolades both in the state and national levels, but had also been a pioneer in exporting Naga handicraft, the organisations in a joint emergency meeting demanded that NSCN (Khango) immediate hand over the two transgressors to the appropriate authority at the earliest, through the intervention of the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG)/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB).
The organisations said it was ironic that a Naga Political Group (NPG) whose motto was based on “Nagaland for Christ” was keen on using diabolical tactic in forcefully trying to extort Rs 50 lakh through false allegations instead of keeping the true principle of Christians during this festive season.
Observing that for too long the Nagas had been suffering under the bondage of excessive extortion by multiple NPGs, the participants decided that the future of Naga youth could not be allowed to be marred and doomed due to the self-interest of few selfish individuals and groups, declaring that they would no longer be mute spectators.
They asserted that the simmering anger of the united Naga youth, especially of the erstwhile undivided Dimapur, would now be expressed through democratic means to protect citizens’ rights at any cost at an appropriate time.
This was stated in a joint statement by Coordination Action Committee convener Khrozote Kapfo and secretary Idizeung Zeliang, Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation president Avi Makritsu, Foothill Ao Youth Organisation president Achen Imchen, Chümoukedima Ao Youth Organisation president Talisunep Walling, Business Association of Nagas (Public Grievances Cell) member Akherio Lazio, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation executive I Abenjang, Medzhiphema Ao Youth Organisation president Chujang, Diphupar Ao Youth Forum president Alem and Ao Students’ Union Dimapur president Imnatemsu Pongen.
ASTD: Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has voiced grave concern over an alleged extortion demand of Rs. 50 lakh made by NSCN/GPRN (Khango) against Aolemba Longkumer, a respected entrepreneur and bona fide member of the union.
In a statement, ASTD president Ningsangwaba and general secretary K. Tsukti Longchar described the demand as a “serious threat and intimidation,” highlighting that such acts have no place in a civilized society. The union pointed out that individuals are already striving to survive amidst economic challenges and condemned the “shameless nature” of groups operating under the guise of “national workers.”
ASTD reaffirmed its commitment to peace and its stance against illegal taxation or extortion. It reiterated support for the principle of “one government, one tax” and pledged to stand firm against threats targeting its members or any Naga individual.
The union urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and implementing stringent measures to safeguard victims and nurture the growth of emerging Naga entrepreneurs.
CTYO: Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation (CTYO) has strongly condemned the extortion demand of Rs. 50 lakh issued by NSCN/GPRN (Khango) against Aolemba Longkumer, a resident of 7th Mile Chümoukedima and chairman of the Country Craft Development Society.
In a statement, CTYO president Avi Makritsu and general secretary Letsol Thakro denounced the act as a blatant attempt to intimidate and exploit a law-abiding and highly respected entrepreneur in the field of crafts and a recipient of numerous national awards, for his exceptional contributions to the trade.
It said that the brazen and illegal act was a direct affront to the safety and security of the community, undermining the peaceful coexistence.
CTYO also reaffirmed the 1993 resolution of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) on “One Government, One Tax” and directives from the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) urging Naga Political Groups (NPGs) to refrain from illegal actions within Angami jurisdiction.
The organization called on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly in apprehending the culprits and ensuring they face appropriate punishment.
It also urged the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG)/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB) and its agencies to strictly enforce ceasefire ground rules, ensuring compliance by cadres to safeguard the business community and public welfare.
CTYO reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment in Chümoukedima, free from intimidation and illegal activities. The organization also appealed to all residents to stand united against such threats to peace and progress.
NTYO: Nagaland Tribal Youth Organisation (NTYO) Coordination Committee said it was deeply perturbed over the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) serving a demand notice of Rs 50 lakh to Aolemba Longkumer, a resident of 7th Mile, Chümoukedima and a well known entrepreneur.
NTYO coordination committee convener Vetho Vadeo, co-convener RN David Magh and secretary Vitsikolie Kehie in a statement declared that this culture of threat and intimidation had no place in a civilised society.
They strongly condemned the shameless nature of the self-styled group in the highest term.
They asserted that they were committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, and would remain steadfast in their fight against any form of illegal taxation or extortion.
They also urged the law enforcing agencies to book the culprits at the earliest and ensure security and safety of Aolemba Longkumer, as his right to personal life and liberty had been hampered by the demand and threat notice.
DRYO: Dimapur Rengma Youth Organisation (DRYO) strongly condemned the outrageous extortion demand of Rs 50 lakh allegedly made by the NSCN (Khango) against Country Craft Development Society chairman Aolemba Longkumer on December 16.
The organisation in a press release said this egregious demand was not only reprehensible in itself, but also shocking and unacceptable due to the exorbitant amount.
The youth body mentioned that it strongly believed that entrepreneurs like Aolemba Longkumer, who were talented and self-made innovators, should be encouraged and supported by all sections of society, including the numerous NPGs, rather than being subjected to such blatant extortion.
Maintaining that such arrogant act by the national workers should be condemned by all sections of the society, the DRYO urged all right thinking citizens to come forward united and fight for justice.
As justice delayed was justice denied, the organisation urged the law enforcement authorities to apprehend the culprits at the earliest so that the public could repose their faith in them.
OWZ: Ongpang Waipong Zunga, Dimapur (OWZ) condemned the extortion demand and harassment meted out to Aolemba Longkumer by the cadres of NSCN (Khango).
Stating that Aolemba Longkumer was a bona fide member of the organisation and a gifted master craftsman, OWZ chairman I Suwa Longkumer and secretary Sangto Longchar in a press release pointed out that he being a recipient of both national and state awards were a testament to his sheer hard work since his childhood days.
OWZ said they were deeply pained at the extortion made to an individual who was a role model for the youth and had strived hard to uplift and empower the Naga community.
It also expressed pain to note that most Naga youth organisations were standing firmly against the menace of extortion, which was the root cause of factionalism in the Naga society today.
Mentioning that they placed their trust in the law enforcing agencies that they would arrest the culprits without further delay, they reiterated that the OWZ would stand with the law enforcing agencies and all Naga youth organisations seeking redressal and justice.