Dimapur, November 14 (MExN): Following the arrest of two persons with regard to the abduction of a sales girl in Dimapur on November 9, various civil societies have condemned the incident. PAC Naga Council: The PAC Naga Council Dimapur has vehemently condemned the abduction of a Naga sales girl, working in a Pharmacy at East Dimapur allegedly by the NSCN-IM for ransom collections of Rs.30,000/- on November 9. The PAC Naga Council in a press release said that it is unbecoming of the national workers to act in such a way towards a woman where Naga society has high respect for the women giving due recognition and protection to them and it is totally unexpected of a well-known Naga Political group to treat our women in this way, which should be condemned by every right thinking citizens. Meanwhile, it also stated that the PAC is aware of the organizations/students bodies within and outside the state/unions which are collecting cash and kind from the shopkeepers and notified that “it should be stop immediately otherwise any person caught in such activity should be booked as per the law.” The PAC appealed to the Police department to be on the vigil as the festive season has started giving rise to criminal activities specially targeting the shoppers and specially the innocent villagers who come to Dimapur for marketing. It also mentioned that PAC which is formed under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur comprising of 19 tribal Hohos, Naga women Hoho Dimapur and all other welfare bodies which are affiliated in it, have equal responsibilities, therefore, incase of necessity, any complaint in the interest of the society may be reported to the police or approach any leaders of the above mentioned person, for public convenient, Naga Council office is open from Monday-Wednesday. Business Association of Nagas: The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has condemned the abduction of a salesgirl of a pharmacy in East Dimapur and subsequent ransom demand made to the Naga shop owner reportedly by cadres of the NSCN (IM). “It is shameful that a Naga woman was meted with such treatment and it should be condemned by one and all,” BAN stated in a condemnation note issued by its Media Cell. Naga run businesses are already facing a tough time due to prevailing syndicate system, coming to terms with GST and the fierce competition posed by businesses run by non-locals. “And when NPGs issue threats and demand notes, how can we do business with a peaceful mind?” the Association question while appealing the “NPG brothers to exempt Naga run businesses from any kind of demands.” BAN reiterated that it strongly stands by the resolutions adopted by the PAC under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur during the public rally on October 31 last. “BAN is committed to protect the rights of Naga business community.” It also added that Naga entrepreneurs and business houses are creating job opportunities when the state Government is not able to provide jobs for Naga youths. Therefore it is the Government's responsibility to provide a conducive atmosphere in state for the Naga business community. Meanwhile, BAN appreciated Dimapur police for apprehending the culprits. Keeping in mind the festive season BAN requests the police to be vigilant and responsive, it added. Nagaland State Commission for Women: The Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) has strongly condemned the abduction of a young salesgirl from a pharmacy near Zion Hospital, Dimapur, on November 9. She was released subsequently on alleged payment of a sum of money. “The trauma that the young girl was subjected to, through no fault of hers, will torture and haunt her all her life,” Dr. Temsula Ao, Chairperson NSCW said in a condemnation note. “This is a prime example of harassment that women suffer at the workplace, where the safety and security of women employees are of little concern for the employers, and the women are often subjected to such treatment not only from external forces but also from the employers themselves,” she added. The Commission further stated that “It is imperative that such basic safeguards are incorporated in the employment infrastructure for a secure working environment for women in the state.” Western Chakhesang Hoho: In appreciating the Dimapur police for arresting the culprits involved in the abduction of one girl at Purana Bazar Dimapur and leading to demand for ransom of rupees 5 lakh, the Western Chakhesang Hoho has outrightly condemned such criminal act of self-styled NPGs demeaning Naga National movement by trying to extract money for personal gain at the cost of causing untold harassment to general public and business community. The concerned authorities whether State Government machineries or the NSCN (IM) authorities need to deal the matter in befitting manner and with truth and justice. “It is high time right prevail above wrong,” Dietho Rhakho, President, WCH and Kevi Soho, Press Secretary, WCH stated in a condemnation note. Naga Women Hobo Dimapur: The Naga Women Hobo Dimapur has also condemned the act of abduction meted out to a young Naga sales girl. “We condemn the act of the two leacy of NSCN (IM) for taking extreme step of abduction as their shield for their vested interest of extortion. Every right thinking citizens should condemn such act and fully support PAC in such issues against the public,” NWHD stated in a press release issued by Keninguno Kath.
