BAN condemns the abduction as heinous act ; Naga frontal orgs silent on the matter
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 1
Fuel outlets across the state began to open on Tuesday afternoon. The indefinite shut down of fuel outlets and ‘chakka bandh’ of oil tankers, which took effect on 12:00 am, April 30, was called by the Kohima Petrol Pump Dealers Association, Dimapur Petrol Pump Dealers Association, Nagaland Tanker Transport Association and Oil Tanker Drivers Union, Dimapur in protest against the abduction of truckers Tula Ram Bura Gohain and his helper Adman Surin at New Helipong village, Tuensang on April 22.
The strike was withdrawn following Tuesday’s meeting of the four associations in Kohima with the Commissioner, Nagaland. The four associations in an undertaking assured to open petrol pumps “for the welfare of the public with immediate effect.”
A member of the four associations, when asked on the meeting with the Commissioner disclosed that the Commissioner assured of the Nagaland state government taking all possible measures to rescue the abducted truckers. “We were requested to consider the interest of the public and school going children in particular,” said the petroleum worker.
He said that the Commissioner did not disclose much on the progress of the government’s effort to trace the missing truckers. “We were only assured that they are doing whatever they can and also to give them time to do the job of rescuing.”
The involvement of cadres of a Naga Political Group is suspected but none, including the targeted entity in Tuensang, has publicly admitted to it. The Tuensang police have so far denied receiving any monetary demands in connection to the abduction. Unconfirmed reports though tipped the ransom amount to be anywhere between Rs. 10-30cr.
It is further suspected that the abduction of the two truckers was in retaliation to unrequited monetary demands.
No Naga frontal organisations have so far condemned the abduction. Only the Eastern Naga Public Organisation and Political Affairs Committee, Government of Nagaland have come out with appeals “for the safe release” of the abductees.
On May 1, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) expressed “concern” on the emergent situation. “BAN condemns the heinous act and appeals to the perpetrators to release the two persons without causing them any harm,” stated the BAN in a press statement issued today.
While appreciating the state government and the four petroleum retailers and transporters associations for initiating discussions to withdraw the strike in public interest, the Naga business body urged “the state government to step up their efforts so that the abducted persons are rescued unharmed.”
