Dimapur police arrest extortionists

Dimapur, March 16 (EMN): Police authorities in Dimapur have arrested a good number of individuals, mostly from the ‘Naga Politicial Groups’, on charges of extortion during the week. The public relations officer of the Dimapur police issued a press release on Thursday giving updates. “With the increase in the reports of extortion and related crimes, Dimapur Police has placed counter measures to prevent such crimes. The Anti Extortion Teams (AET) of the zones has been placed on alert and surveillance over commercial areas is being kept,” the police stated. The police listed out the enforcement events: On March 9, one person identified as a HimatoYepthomi of Viyelho village in Zunheboto district was arrested by the AET “while he was caught extorting money from the trucks plying in the bricks kiln around Bamunpukhuri area, Dimapur,” the police said. Cash and incriminating documents in the form of leaflets belonging to the NSCN (IM) were seized from his possession, the authorities. On March 10, three persons were arrested by the AET from the Khermahal area in Dimapur “while the former were carrying out extortion activities,” the press release stated of another event. The arrested persons were identified as AthongbaSangtam of Singrao village in Kiphire; he is reportedly a captain of the NNC (NA); Zhaito Sumi of Hoishe village; KhunuSangtam of Pholongri village in Kiphire. Likewise, on March 11, one person identified as a Lukheyi Yepthomi of Khumishi village was arrested by the AET “while he was found collecting taxes in the name of the NPGs from various commercial vehicles around Doshehe Market area, Dimapur,” the police stated. “Money in cash and incriminating documents was seized from his possession.” In another incident, this time on March 13, the police said one person identified as a Alferd Sumi, reportedly a “leacy of the NPGN”, was arrested by the AET ‘while he was extorting money from business establishments around Metro Hospital in Dimapur.’ Likewise, on March 15, a person identified as a Bokito Sumi; reportedly a “sergeant” of the NSCN (R) was arrested “while collecting illegal taxes from the commercial establishments falling under West Police Station jurisdiction.” Further, on March 16, two persons were arrested by the AET, the press release stated, “while collecting illegal taxes from business establishment at Murgipatti area, Dimapur.” The press release stated that they were identified as a Heyito Aye, a resident of Thilixu village and reportedly a “major” of the FGN; Atoshe Murru, resident of Thilixu and reportedly a “leacy” of the FGN. “Money in cash and incriminating documents was seized from their possession,” the press release stated. The Dimapur police have reminded citizens and the business community that an active ‘Crime Helpline’ had been functioning to receive reports and complaints. “Call +91 7085055048 or +91 7085055049 for assistance or, contact the Officers directly by referring to the directory provided in www.dimapurpolice.in,” the police added in the press release.