Kiyeto Zhimomi, Head GB of Vikuho village in Niuland district, alleged abduction, assault and extortion by the NSCN (K) faction.
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DIMAPUR — Kiyeto Zhimomi, Head GB of Vikuho village in Niuland district and a businessman, was reportedly abducted by unknown miscreants from Mishikito village under Chümoukedima district on January 19 at around 3:30 pm. He was released in the early hours of Tuesday and is currently undergoing medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Speaking to the media from the hospital on Tuesday, Zhimomi said he had reached his office around 10 am when he received a call from the finance secretary of the Khango-led NSCN, who informed him that his case had been taken up by the defence kilonser and that he was to be arrested.
Zhimomi said he runs transport operations at the railway station and claimed that various factions regularly demand money from transport operators. He said that due to multiple tax demands from different groups, transport business operators found it difficult to continue operations, resulting in the closure of transport activities during January–February 2024.
During this period, he agreed to act as caretaker for the transport company on condition that authorisation letters were issued. He resumed work after receiving the letters from all companies.
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However, he said that due to excessive taxation, goods stopped arriving by train, leading to a sharp decline in business volume. When operations began to pick up marginally, he claimed fresh tax demands resurfaced from underground groups.
Zhimomi said he had filed more than 10 FIRs related to extortion, including cases registered at the Government Railway Police Station.
He also alleged that last year four individuals were sent to his residence to abduct him, but he managed to escape and subsequently filed an FIR at Diphupar Police Station.
Zhimomi claimed that the Khango-led NSCN initially demanded INR 60 per bag, but produced inflated lists of 4,000-5,000 bags when only 1,000-1,200 arrived. The group then demanded INR 80,000, which he refused, offering INR 50,000 instead.
On January 19, after a phone call, individuals reportedly came looking for him at his office. As he had gone out for lunch, the office accountant informed him of their visit.
On his way back home near Mishikito Road, he said a car blocked his vehicle and attempted to force him out. When he refused to open the door, he said the assailants smashed the window with an iron rod, dragged him out by his collar, tore his shirt and abducted him.
He said he was taken to the Khango-led NSCN ceasefire monitoring cell at Thilixu village, where he was blindfolded, his hands tied and assaulted, and questioned as to why he was “challenging the government.”
He said he was blindfolded and moved to another location, where he was told he owed the faction INR 40 lakh. He claimed he was threatened with being taken to the headquarters and killed if he didn't agree.
Zhimomi said he pleaded his inability to pay such an amount and offered INR 50,000 along with INR 3 lakh as accumulated tax for the last six months. But the offer was rejected and he was forced at gunpoint to sign an agreement committing to pay INR 30 lakh within five days.
He said he was later dropped off on a black-topped road while still blindfolded. Upon removal of the blindfold, he realised it was Niuland road, after which he was again taken back to the Khango-led NSCN ceasefire monitoring cell after which he was released.
He expressed gratitude to the Western Sumi Youth Front and Western Sumi GBs, who received him and escorted him home.
He appealed to law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest those involved and ensure justice.