DIMAPUR — The Business Association of Nagas
(BAN) has condemned the “reprehensible extortion attempts” of the NSCN/GPRN
(Khango-Hokato Vusshe) which demanded INR 50 lakh from Aolemba, chairman of the
special purpose vehicle (SPV) responsible for managing and operating the CFC
for furniture cluster.
In a press release, the association said that the
“situation” raises concerns about the government's effectiveness in maintaining
law and order.
“The government's silence on this matter is particularly
troubling, as it may be perceived as inability to protect its citizens,” it
said.
“The lack of effective enforcement and political will has
created a power vacuum, allowing NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Hokato Vusshe) to exploit
the situation and spread insecurity and hopelessness among citizens.”
The BAN also maintained that the government's inaction and
silence in the face of extortion attempts have emboldened such organisations,
undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust in institutions.
It urged the government to take immediate action to assert
its authority, investigate and prosecute those responsible, and restore the
faith of citizens in the system.
“When extortion demands fail, NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Hokato
Vusshe) resorting to moral policing is a last-ditch attempt to salvage their
image.
“Ironically, this tactic only serves to reveal their true
motives, eroding their credibility and exposing their desperation. BAN wishes
to put on record that it is fully cognisant of the modus operandi employed by certain
individuals who utilise various organisational fronts to perpetrate
extortionist activities,” the association said.
Cautioning that such actions and duplicitous intentions will
ultimately be exposed, and their attempts to legitimise their activities using
the interest of the Naga people and development plank will be revealed at the
opportune time, the BAN asserted that the Naga people will not be taken for
granted, and that their rights and interests will be safeguarded.
“We must recognise that a life of luxury built on the hard
work and sweat of others is morally reprehensible. Instead, we should be
willing to make sacrifices in the present to pave the way for a brighter
tomorrow. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our state to take a firm stance
against extortion, corruption, and fear-mongering.
“By doing so, we can create a better future for generations
to come, where hard work, honesty, and integrity are valued and rewarded,” it
added.
The BAN demanded the government to take a firm stance
against the “extortion attempts” and apprehend the “culprit and mastermind”
responsible for extortion and intimidation.
It also called upon the government to protect citizens'
rights by ensuring that citizens are not harassed or coerced by any organisation.
Further, it recommended strengthening of institutions and to
ensure that the government is effective in maintaining law and order.
“The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) will continue to
vigilantly monitor the situation, ensuring the rule of law is upheld. We will
not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the established order, undermine
governmental authority, or compromise the future of the Naga people,” it added.
