Dimapur, August 27 (MExN): The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ condemns the NSCN/GPRN for what it stated is ‘breaching’ the ‘covenant of reconciliation’ by killing a cadre of the former on August 26 in Mekokla village under Wokha district. The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ has condemned the killing and has also held the rival group for all “unwanted elements” in Wokha town, including extortion, illegal taxation and recently kidnapping of local civilians for ransom amounting to lakhs of rupees.
A note from the ‘regional chairman’ of ‘Lotha region’ of ‘GPRN/NSCN’ Z. John Lotha said the act should be condemned by one and all. According to the note, it would be “partial” for the GPRN/NSCN to ask the rival outfit to leave for Camp Hebron “in order to maintain peace and reconciliation.” The group’s note mentioned five of its members who were allegedly “arrested” and brutally tortured. The NSCN/GPRN also kidnapped relatives of members of the ‘GPRN/NSCN,’ the note stated. Citing instances, the note said a civilian, one Mhathung was kidnapped on August 16 by “Wokha town command” of NSCN (IM) and Rs. 3 lakhs was paid for his release; another civilian, one Machan was also kidnapped on August 26 and for his release an amount of Rs. 2 lakhs is being demanded. He is still being held under the so-stated “Wokha town command”, the note stated.
Apart from condemning the killing, the note accused the NSCN/GPRN of creating “unwanted elements” in Wokha, monopolizing and taxing the public.
The note explained the situation in Wokha town, how the public, business and even contract works have been ‘monopolized’ by the rival group and that the people continue to suffer. “The Wokha town market is solely monopolized by the NSCN (IM); even general public are restricted to import certain items. They are victimized to pay direct and indirect taxes; contract works for welfare of the people, the genuine contractors suffers as allotment of work projects are allotted to the NSCN (IM) members and their candidates; even a single duck and a chicken that is being brought from Merapani for domestic use are not spared from taxation; a single duck and a chicken is levied Rs. 10 as export and import tax. Even the common vendors at Wokha town, Baghty town and Bhandari town are not spared from taxation. As a result of which many daily markets has been banned due to their extortionist activities; however the public in general will witness.”
Who the extortionists are is clear and it is time for the people to take a “firm decision”, the note stated. The ‘GPRN/NSCN’ also conveys condolences for the departed cadre. His “service” will always be remembered, it added.
