Dimapur bandh amidst rising extortion concern

Eastern Mirror Desk

Dimapur, Dec. 10: The 12-hour bandh called by the Public Action Committee (PAC) under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur on Monday crippled normal life in Dimapur; proving a hassle to travellers although the bandh went off peacefully.

The reason for the bandh on Monday was to protest multiple taxation and extortion activities in Dimapur, triggered by the recent shooting incident at Riven Honda showroom.

‘This is not the right time and day to call for the bandh’- was the common concern raised by the residents although the motive was in the interest of the people. Nevertheless, the residents complied with the bandh-call as volunteers were stationed at designated pockets to ensure it was successful.

The chairman of Sumi Council Dimapur, Kuhoi Zhimomi while acknowledging that the bandh could have been imposed on another day, asserted: “Our own Naga people do not understand the concern of extortion especially during festive season which becomes a burden for both the business community and the common people.

“The bandh was called in good faith for the well-being of the people, although people may consider it as a wrong day, because if the issue is left unattended waiting for the right day, the culprits and those involved in anti-social elements may take advantage.”

The PAC had waited “positively” to call off the bandh, he said. But failure to arrest “the main culprit behind the Riven Honda shooting” had forced the committee to go ahead with the bandh “so that those involved do not take advantage,” Zhimomi said.

“It would be too late to wait for the Hornbill Festival to get over, and so the decision to go ahead with the bandh on Dec. 10 was taken so that people also understand the issue of extortion and the effect it leaves on the common people.”

‘Random extortion will not be accepted henceforth and the bandh called should send a message to those involving in anti-social activities that their actions which are crippling the common people, the economy of the state and the market will not be tolerated,’  was the message conveyed by the volunteers of Monday’s bandh.