Wokha, August 31 (MExN): Reacting to the claims by the NSCN (IM) that two of its cadres were assaulted by an “unruly mob” in Wokha Town on August 12, the Wokha Police has clarified that the cadres were apprehended by the police and not by the public and that “no manhandling or atrocity took place.”
The NSCN (IM) had on Monday alleged that “its officially assigned tax collectors were assaulted while on duty by a group of persons with vested interest.”
A clarification issued today by the PRO Wokha Police stated that on the abovementioned day, i.e., August 12, personnel of the Wokha DEF police were conducting regular MVCP under the command of SDPO Wokha. “While doing so, information was received from sources that some people were extorting money from commercial vehicles plying on the highway at Santsuphen (Lotha - Rengma boundary),” the release stated.
Immediately, a party led by SDPO Wokha rushed to the spot to apprehend the perpetrators. “On seeing the police convoy they tried to flee and after a good chase in the jungles they were apprehended by the police and not by the public as stated in the local dailies,” the Wokha Police stated.
“The public inadvertently had gathered, but by then the two accused were in police custody and all measures were taken for their safety while being brought to Wokha Police Station for further necessary action,” it further stated and added, “No manhandling or atrocity took place as noted in the press release.”
It may be noted that along with cash of Rs. 9240, the following items were seized from their possession: Three Mobile Handsets, 6 coupons in the name of Dimapur Truck Owners Association, One coupon in the name of JCB Excavator carrying Agency, One Coupon in the name of Dimapur Taxi Owners Association, Two ATM Cards (Central Bank and Axis Bank), and One wallet.
Further, the Wokha Police informed that the two accused persons confessed that they were “extorting/collecting money” under the direction of one Maj Nrikhon, ZCO and Town Commander of Wokha, who is wanted in another case under the Wokha Police Station. An FIR with documental proof has been lodged and the police are on the look-out for the absconder to ensure justice as per law, the Wokha Police informed.
