Nagaland: Abducted local businessman released; alleges assault, extortion

A local businessman, who was abducted from Mishikito village under Chümoukedima on January 19 around 3:30 p.m, was released on January 20 at 2am.
The kidnapped victim identified as Kiyeto Zhimomi (56), who is also head GB of Vikuho village under Niuland district, operates transport services at the railway station. He is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Speaking to the media from his hospital bed on Tuesday, Kiyeto recounted receiving a phone call on January 19 from the finance secretary of the Khango-led NSCN (K), stating that his case had been taken up by the group’s defence kilonser and that he was to be arrested.
He explained that transport operators have long faced repeated monetary demands from various factions. In January-February 2024, he said operations were forced to shut down due to excessive taxation. During this period, Kiyeto said he agreed to act as caretaker for transport companies on the condition that authorization letters be issued to curb rampant extortion.
After receiving authorizations from all companies, he resumed work. However, he alleged that declining rail freight—due to goods being diverted to road transport—severely impacted business volume.
When operations showed marginal improvement, fresh tax demands resurfaced. Kiyeto said he had filed more than 10 FIRs related to extortion, including cases at the Government Railway Police Station (GRPS).
Last year, Kiyeto said four individuals were sent to abduct him from his residence, but he escaped and filed an FIR at Diphupar Police Station, submitting receipts as evidence. On January 19 afternoon, unknown persons reportedly visited his office looking for him. While returning home, a car overtook and blocked his vehicle near Mishikito Road, Kiyeto added.
When he refused to open the door, miscreants allegedly smashed the window with an iron rod, dragged him out, tore his shirt, and abducted him.
Kiyeto claimed he was taken to the Khango-led NSCN (K) ceasefire monitoring cell at Thilixu village, where he was blindfolded, tied, and assaulted.
During the beating, he was questioned for “challenging the government” and struck on his legs and head, resulting in dizziness, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels.
He alleged he was later shifted—while blindfolded—to another location believed to be a rubber plantation, where he was told he owed the faction Rs. 40 lakh.
Threatened with being taken to headquarters and killed if he failed to pay, he offered Rs. 50,000 plus Rs. 3 lakh as accumulated tax for the past six months, which was rejected.
Under duress and at gunpoint, Kiyeto claimed he was forced to sign an agreement committing to pay Rs. 30 lakh within five days.
After signing, he was dropped on a black-topped road (later identified as Niuland Road) while blindfolded, before being returned to the ceasefire monitoring cell.
Members of the Western Sumi Youth Front and Western Sumi GBs later received him from the camp and escorted him home.
Kiyeto reiterated that the agreement was signed under duress and questioned how he could arrange such a large sum.
He said he could recognize one or two of the abductors among many involved.
He initially visited Civil Hospital, where he received painkillers and a tetanus injection, and returned the next day due to persistent pain, though his condition has slightly improved.
Kiyeto said FIRs have been filed at multiple police stations, including East Police Station, GRPS, Chümoukedima, Diphupar, and Ghaspani.
In one case at Ghaspani, two individuals were arrested but later released on bail.
Responding to queries on payments made, he said he could not recall the exact total, as payments were often made in lump sums.
He described taxation by multiple Naga political groups as an “extremely painful burden” for transport operators, making the business unsustainable.
Kiyeto appealed to law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest those involved, and ensure justice.