Govt. asks NSCN-K to stop illegal taxation, extortion during ceasefire review meet

Officials of ceasefire monitoring group recently held a review meeting with the NSCN-K, an outfit led by S S Khaplang. The two sides discussed an array of issues, including the continuous involvement of the outfit in extortion and illegal taxation.

The issue of illegal taxation, extortion and carrying of arms by cadres dominated the Ceasefire review meeting held at Police Complex in Chumukedima.

Chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group Major Gen (Retd) N K Singh insisted that NSCN (K) give up extortion activities.

He maintained that such actions are against the Ceasefire Ground Rules and also vitiated the peaceful atmosphere.

"The ceasefire ground rules say that there should be no extortion or forcible collection of money. The input that we get from the ground or from various people, most of them point to the fact that it is a forcible collection. So, that point has been conveyed. Even if in the written demand notice some other language is used, what actually happens on ground is more relevant," Singh said.

And the point was not disputed very much. Particularly we know the fact that there are several different groups that entertain collecting money from people. So obviously the aspect of forcible collection is predominant," he added.

N K Singh further urged the NSCN (K) not to extend material or logistic support to other Northeast insurgent groups taking shelter in Myanmar.

The Centre is trying to bring an amicable solution to Naga issue and recently hold another round of talks with NSCN (IM) in New Delhi.

The Centre invites all major insurgent outfits in the northeast to shun violence and join the mainstream in a democratic way.

The level of insurgency in the region has drastically come down in the past few years as many outfits have surrendered their arms.