DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today refuted allegations made by the Public Action Committee (PAC) of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) that the former’s cadres had assaulted a truck driver travelling from Dimapur to Imphal and extorted Rs 15,000 from him.
A press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) termed the allegations as “baseless” and advised the PAC “not to stretch its hands too far to interfere into the legitimate rights of NSCN in collecting yearly vehicle tax as a part of the sustenance for Naga political struggle.”
On the incident, the NSCN (IM) said that its cadres “were on duty enquiring the payment of yearly vehicle tax by the truck drivers.” During this process, the NSCN (IM) said that one truck driver “caused inordinate delay,” prompting one its cadres to “put his hands on his shoulder to have closer talks.”
“But, that move created panic and while trying to stay away he hit himself against the truck hurting his head. No money of any amount was taken from him neither a hand was raised against him,” the NSCN (IM) claimed.
In meanwhile alleged that, “as testified by the trick drivers,” one woman has been extorting money amounting to Rs. 4000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 per truck depending on goods carried in the name of an agency from Lahorijan, Assam.
It further alleged that the woman “frequently threatens NSCN personnel on duty that she will send Indian security forces to arrest them.” The NSCN (IM) claimed that consequent to this, “Indian security forces managed to arrest many NSCN members.” It accused the particular woman and the “Indian security forces” of “working hand in glove to extort money” in the name of the agency.
The NSCN (IM) questioned “on what valid ground she is collecting money from the trucks,” and queried as to the owner of the agency.
It meanwhile asked the PAC to “draw the line between extortion and tax and not to go the way to distort Naga political movement by bringing confusion.”
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