Chumoukedima bodies urge Naga groups to rein in cadres amid extortion concerns

CHUMOUKEDIMA — Three organisations in Chumoukedima have raised concern over reports of “underground cadres” demanding taxes and fees from construction workers, urging Naga national political groups to ensure that their members do not engage in extortion, intimidation or other activities that could disrupt public life.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the Chumoukedima Town Youth Organisation (CTYO), Chumoukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association (CCCTA) and Chumoukedima Town Council (CTC) said they had taken note of reports about the presence of “underground cadres” within and around Chumoukedima town ahead of the festive season.

The organisations appealed to all Naga national political groups to ensure that their cadres refrained from anti-social activities and respected the safety and security of the public.

They stated that Chumoukedima was a peaceful and growing town where local and non-local businesses had been operating, and stressed that commercial establishments must be allowed to function without fear or intimidation.

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Any attempt to disrupt the town's peaceful environment or threaten the business community would not be tolerated, the organisations stated.

They also urged business establishments not to pay any form of taxation to individuals or “underground groups”. They called on businesses to report any discrepancies or misunderstandings to the competent authority.

Reiterating the public resolution of "One Government, One Tax", adopted on February 13, 2014, they called on all concerned to respect the collective decision.