NSCN (I-M) has refuted the news published in the local media that two of its cadres were involved in abducting Abdul Kayum Talukdar, GB of New Market. In a rejoinder, NSCN (I-M) MIP clarified that the incident had nothing to do with kidnapping and rather was a case of cheating by Talukdar, a resident of Khatkhati, Assam.
NSCN (I-M) claimed that a group of Nagas had bought about 100 bighas of land at Khatkhati, Assam and entrusted the plot to some Muslims as care-takers (tenants). In the first week of September, the Naga land owners along with Talukdar went to the spot to ask the Muslim caretakers to vacate the land as they were planned to dispose it. After a few weeks, the Naga land owners along with the prospective buyers went to check the land to take measurement.
MIP said the tenants got agitated and countered them with deadly arms, claiming that Talukdar had sold the land to them and declared that they would not part with the land come what may.
MIP also said that somebody was also heard threatening Talukdar on phone not to allow the land to be disposed, while original documents (patta) were with the Naga land owners.
Later, MIP said the Naga group called Talukdar to settle the case. But he repeatedly ignored their calls and refused to meet them. Out of desperation to settle the case peacefully, MIP said the Naga Army personnel were entrusted with the task to bring Talukdar to Hebron. He was picked up, but not blind-folded nor his hands were tied, MIP clarified. On the way when the IRB stopped them for checking, MIP accused Talukdar of lying to the IRB personnel that he was kidnapped.
According to the group, Talukdar was a habitual cheat with many Nagas becoming victims of his fraud.
However, NSCN (I-M) expressed surprise and wanted to know how Talukdar, who was a bona fide resident of Khatkhati, was made the GB of New Market, Dimapur.