DIMAPUR, APRIL 4 (MExN): Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has demanded police action against, what it termed as a “transport cartel,” which has allegedly “victimized” a Naga businessman from operating his transport agency. ACAUT Nagaland, in a press note, further alleged that the “syndicate” is “backed by the NSCN (IM).”
It informed that the owner South India Transport Agency, the only transport agency in the state, owned and operated by a Naga, “is not being allowed to run his business by a transport cartel backed by the NSCN-IM despite possessing all legal documents issued by the DMC and Assam authorities.” It alleged that the owner was “summoned” by the NSCN (IM), when the latter filed an FIR against the “syndicate ringleaders” at Khatkhati police station. It identified the “syndicate ringleaders” as Shivnath, Parvesh Ali, RK Reddy, Dolia Chowdhury and Rocky Okram.
ACAUT Nagaland has urged Dimapur police to arrest the “syndicate dealers,” who it informed operate in both Dimapur and Assam. Failure to act, it stated, would lead Naga people to “conclude that NPG-backed syndicate kingpins are operating hand in clove with the police.” It further cautioned that if no action is taken, ACAUT Nagaland will be compelled to “take matters into its own hands.”
Stating that price rise of essential commodities is due to transport agencies “taking advantage of the prevailing unabated taxation milieu in the state,” it demanded action from the district administration on this issue. Asking transporters to respect Naga sentiments, ACAUT Nagaland further cautioned that it would, under no circumstances, allow local businessmen to be victimized by syndicates “operating under the protection of NPGs.” “…continued anti-social activities against the Naga people cannot be tolerated…” it asserted.
ACAUT Nagaland then stated “The NSCN (IM) should realize that in case of any untoward incident” towards the owner of the concerned transport agency, “it is ready to change its strategy at will.” It further urged the group not to harass the said person and to uphold its commitment towards peace and reconciliation. “He should be allowed to carry his activities in both Assam and Nagaland and such declaration should be carried in all the local papers,” the ACAUT demanded.
