Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): The NSCN (K) Niki Group has denied reports alleging that its cadres abducted a businessman from his residence in the Khatkhati area of Assam for ransom, claiming that he was apprehended over alleged involvement in fraudulent activities.
In a clarification issued on October 10 by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN (K) Niki Group stated that personnel of its regional authority apprehended the individual following multiple reports alleging his involvement in “fraudulent activities targeting innocent people”.
The organisation claimed that the alleged activities dated back to 2021 and that, during questioning, the individual acknowledged his involvement and disclosed that he had been operating in partnership with other individuals based in Nagaland.
Regarding reports of a demand for Rs 7.5 lakh, the NSCN/GPRN said the individual had “offered to pay the said amount for his release”. It further claimed that other incriminating evidence and a mobile phone were recovered during the investigation.
The outfit called on competent law enforcement authorities to conduct a “thorough and impartial investigation” into the matter, including the individual’s alleged business activities, financial dealings, sources of income and possible involvement of others.
The statement also claimed that the individual had been apprehended by law enforcement authorities in 2024 in connection with allegations of fraud and was subsequently released. It called for independent verification of the reported incident to establish what action had been taken at the time and whether further complaints had been received.
Stating that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be examined objectively, the organisation said allegations of unlawful conduct, both against the individual and those involved in his apprehension, should be investigated “fairly and impartially”.
The facts must be established through a thorough examination and protecting the public from alleged fraudulent activities should remain a matter of public concern, it added.
The denial came after Dimapur Police informed on Friday that a person abducted at gunpoint from Karbi Anglong district was rescued by Nagaland Police from Kuhuboto area, Dimapur with one suspected NSCN (K) Nikki cadre arrested in connection with the case.
After completion of necessary formalities, the victim along with the apprehended person was handed over to Assam Police for further investigation, the Dimapur Police PRO informed in a press release.
