Dimapur, Nov. 14 (EMN): Community frontals and business organisations in Dimapur are outraged that a salesgirl from a pharmacy in Dimapur was kidnapped by members of an armed Naga group, stated to be the NSCN (IM), and reportedly for ransom.
Various organisations including the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), the Naga Council, and the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) issued statements on Wednesday expressing disgust and calling it a shame even more so that a major Naga organisation would kidnap even a young girl.
Women commission
The Nagaland State Commission for Women issued a press release on Wednesday strongly denouncing the abduction of the salesgirl. The pharmacy is said to be located near Zion Hospital.
‘She was released subsequently on alleged payment of a sum of money. The trauma that the young girl was subjected to, through no fault of hers, will torture and haunt her all her life,’ the NSCW reminded.
‘It is imperative that such basic safeguards are incorporated in the employment infrastructure for a secure working environment for women in the state,’ the commission stated.
PAC, Naga Council
The public action committee of the Naga Council of Dimapur also lashed out at the alleged kidnapping. A press release from the organisation stated that the abduction of a Naga sales girl, who was working at a pharmacy in East Dimapur, was by the NSCN (IM) and allegedly for a ransom of Rs.30, 000.
“It is unbecoming of the national workers to act in such a way towards a woman where Naga society has high respect for the women giving due recognition and protection to them and it is totally unexpected of a well-known Naga political group to treat our women in this way, which should be condemned by every right thinking citizens,” the committee stated.
The PAC said to be aware also of the organizations including student bodies within and outside the state that were collecting cash and kind from shopkeepers.
‘This is to notify that it should be stop immediately. Otherwise any person caught in such activity should be booked as per the law. The PAC appeals to the police department to be on the vigil as the festive season has started giving rise to criminal activities specially targeting the shoppers and specially the innocent villagers who come to Dimapur for marketing,’ the organisation stated.
The committee informed the public that the PAC comprises 19 tribal organisations including the Naga Women Hoho of Dimapur and other welfare bodies under the aegis of the Naga Council. They have equal responsibilities and therefore, the committee stated, ‘in case of necessity, any complaint in the interest of the society may be reported to the police or approach any leaders of the above mentioned person. For public convenience, the Naga Council’s office is open Monday to Wednesday. One may contact committee leader K Ghokheto Chophy at 7005440147, the note stated.
BAN
The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) also denounced the crime and that it was a ‘shame’ that a Naga woman was meted with such treatment.
“Naga-run businesses are already facing a tough time due to prevailing syndicate system, coming to terms with GST and the fierce competition posed by businesses run by non-locals. And when NPGs (Naga political groups) issue threats and demand notes, how can we do business with a peaceful mind?” the BAN stated. The BAN has asked the underground groups to ‘exempt the Naga run businesses from any kind of demands.’
Stating to be committed to protecting the rights of the Naga business community, the BAN declared that it strongly stands by the resolutions adopted by the PAC under the aegis of Naga Council of Dimapur during the public rally on Oct. 31.
‘Naga entrepreneurs and business houses are creating job opportunities when the state government is not able to provide jobs for Naga youths. Therefore it is the government’s responsibility to provide a conducive atmosphere in state for the Naga business community,’ the association stated.
The organisation appreciates the Dimapur Police for apprehending the perpetrators. The enforcement authorities are also asked to be vigilant and responsive considering the onset of the festive season.
Likewise, the Naga women Hoho of Dimapur expressed outrage at the abduction of the young Naga sales girl ‘on demand of cash from the pharmacy owner.’
“We condemn the act of the 2 leacy of NSCN-IM for taking extreme step of abduction as their shield for their vested interest of extortion. Every right thinking citizens should condemn such act and fully support PAC in such issues against the public,” the union stated.
The Western Chakhesang Hoho also issued a note on Wednesday denouncing the alleged crime. The organisation appreciated the Dimapur Police for arresting the culprits involved in the abduction of ‘one Ao girl’ for, according to the note, a ransom of INR 5 lac.
The organisation stated: ‘The Western Chakhesang Hoho in the outright condemn such criminal act of self styled NPGs demeaning Naga national movement by trying to extract money for personal gain at the cost of causing untold harassment to general public and business community. The concerned authorities whether state government machineries or the NSCN (IM) authorities need to deal with the matter in befitting manner and with truth and justice. It is high time right prevail above wrong.’
