Dimapur, January 27 (MExN): The Nagaland Arecanut Traders and Transport (NATT) has appealed to law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to arrest all the culprits involved in the January 19 incident at the earliest.
The NATT media cell in a press statement expressed appreciation to the Nagaland police under Director General of Police Rupin Sharma and Dimapur Commissioner of Police Aotula T Imchen for their handling of the sensitive case involving the alleged kidnapping, car hijacking, assault, extortion and death threats against its member, Kiyeto Zhimomi, on January 19.
The NATT urged the competent authority to sincerely enforce the resolution of April 26, 2024, as announced by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, which called for strict implementation of Ceasefire Ground Rules and booking culprits under the National Security Act with detention outside the state.
The association acknowledged the positive role played by the Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, Western Sumi Youth Front and other civil society organisations. It also thanked the business community under the CNCCI, DCCI and BAN for condemning the act, and the general public for their prayers. It also acknowledged the role of the Assam Rifles in the issue, noting that the “serious crime including breaching of the Ceasefire Ground Rule” was evident as the victim was taken ‘blindfolded and beaten.’
Reiterates ‘One Govt, One Tax’
On the issue of exorbitant taxation, the NATT reiterated its firm stand on the public resolution of October 31, 2013, for “One Government, One Tax,” and stated that traders would strictly abide by it.
It also urged all Naga Political Groups (NPGs) not to accept suspended cadres into their organisations, stating, “Criminals are criminals, they should be in jail not in your fold.” It requested all groups to adhere to Ceasefire Ground Rules to allow the business community to thrive.
The NATT also requested the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) chairman and members to consider relocating ceasefire monitoring offices away from business hubs and towns, stating, “there is no logic for establishing Ceasefire Office near such places.” It argued that true observance of Ceasefire can be monitored even from distant places with modern technology. It believes this would reduce illegal practices like “summoning and torturing civilians inside their den.”
It concluded by placing on record that any future harm to Kiyeto Zhimomi would be the sole responsibility of the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato). It asserted that Zhimomi, the Head GB of Vikuho Village, has no known enmity with any person or group and earns an honest livelihood. The NATT expressed its faith in God for strength to stand against injustice and prayed for peace and justice for all.
