DIMAPUR, JANUARY 9 (MExN): NSCN (R) on Saturday strongly refuted allegations that it was recruiting drug addicts across the opium belt of Arunachal Pradesh to broaden its extortion empire. A news report quoting officials in southern Arunachal Pradesh had alleged that NSCN (R) was recruiting drug addicts to control the state’s Longding, Tirap and Changlang districts.
An MIP statement strongly refuted the allegation made and asserted that it was neither engaging nor recruiting drug addicts for any purpose.
“We are for peaceful settlement of the Indo-Naga issue but it seems some people are against peace and against development of our people. They want that people should remain to be in trance so that they keep working as per their willful desire,” the MIP statement read.
The NSCN (R), while appreciating the 1st Assam Rifles for nabbing anti-social elements involved in extortion in and around Tirap district and particularly in HQ Khonsa, said it had no link whatsoever with Wingan Agan and Damwang Bangsia, arrested by the security forces.
“Many youths taken to drugs, opium are involved in carrying out extortion in the name of various organizations including the NSCN (R) to fulfill their day to day needs as they find it easy way of making money unmindful of the consequences,” it contended.
