Zunheboto: NPGs accused of making monetary demands from COVID fund

Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 18

Amidst the ongoing fight against the pandemic, workers of some Naga national organizations are reportedly making monetary demands out of the COVID fund from the medical department in Zunheboto district.

Confirming this, Advisor for School Education, KT Sukhalu said, “The medical department has informed me that some factions are demanding (monetary) from the department. When the department is trying to utilize the funds (COVID fund) for treatment in all the sub-divisions, some factions are making such demand.” 

Sukhalu said when the entire world and the State are trying their best to control the pandemic, the factions should not resort to such demands “In fact, they should be supporting the government in this effort,” he said and appealed the factions to desist from such activities.

The Advisor also informed that some 7-8 factions are operative in Zunheboto district adding, “I do not know which factions are demanding but I’m not happy with the situation.”

Police inquiry on
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto, Uniel Kichu, IPS said that the police came to know of the demand through media reports and said inquiry was on. “We have started inquiry and right now we have not found any clear lead,” Kichu informed. Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Zunheboto could not be reached over the phone for comments despite repeated attempts.

NSCN (IM), GPRN/NSCN, NSCN (R) deny involvement
Meanwhile, responding to the news report aired by a TV channel that NSCN cadres were allegedly seeking share of COVID funds in Zunheboto district, three Naga Political Groups (NPGs) on Friday issued statements denying their involvement. 

NSCN (IM): CAO (Caretaker), Sumi Region, NSCN/GPRN, Pasheto Chishi Swu clarified that none of its members were involved in seeking share from COVID funds. 

“No person in individual capacity or authorized members from Finance Department, Regional Authority or Army Wing is involved in COVID fund share seeking,” the clarification stated. It also stated that the NSCN/GPRN has moral obligation in fighting against COVID-19 pandemic for humanity. “The least we can do is check the corrupted system instead of getting involved in it,” it added.

In a clarification through its MIP, the NSCN (IM) also stated that it has “nothing to do with the news report” of demands being made from the COVID funds. Asserting its total solidarity with the state government’s fight against COVID-19, the NSCN (IM) said that it is “not involved in any manner that goes against humanity at this particular juncture where all Nagas irrespective of social/political standing are expected to fight together.”

GPRN/NSCN: The GPRN/NSCN also responded to the news report stating that “No member from GPRN/NSCN is neither directly nor indirectly involved in the said allegation.”

Regional Administrative Officer (RAO) of the Sumi Region, GPRN/NSCN, Kheshiho Yeputho issued a press release on Friday informing that Sumi Region authorities met leaders of Sumi Hoho, Zunheboto GB Union, Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industry members and other civil authorities to contemplate and investigate the person/party responsible and involved in such despicable conduct.

“GPRN would not take such incomprehensible steps in this trying time but would be most willing to instead, assist the health workers in whatever manner we may be needed in the collective effort of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,” the release stated while denouncing the “irresponsible and inhumane activity.”

NSCN (R): In a separate statement, the NSCN (R) reiterated its ‘crystal clear’ stance as declared on May 25, “reminding all cadres not to fall short of grace in seeking financial assistances even from our patrons, sympathisers or business communities during these trying times, let alone demanding for shares from COVID funds.”

However, it said, that the NSCN (R) does also not rule out, that like most times, “some unscrupulous elements both cadres or non-cadres maybe taking advantage for their personal gain.”

“If such is the case, specific names (including faction) and other particular details should be disclosed, to enable respective factions to probe and to investigate,” it said, while adding that if any of its cadres were found involved, either directly or indirectly, “severe actions of very serious nature” would be initiated. 

“However, if particular names or factions cannot be provided, the NSCN (R) advises responsible persons, groups, sources, etc., to kindly verify properly before issuing any ‘unconfirmed or irresponsible or corroded’ statements in public domain and in news media,” the statement issued through the NSCN (R) MIP stated.