Nagaland takes steps to curb militant-related extortion

Kohima, July 24 (ANI): The government in Nagaland is taking tough steps to curb militant led extortion that has badly affected the business community in the region.

On July 17, Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen convened a high level meeting with the business community of the region and discussed the increasing cases of extortion in the region.

Taking to reporters after meeting, Imchen said the government had strengthened various law enforcing agencies to deal with the problem and urged the local people and the business community to support the government effort.

"We have decided to step up the arrest of extortionist and criminal activities. If you have received an extortion note, extortion telephone call, you should also inform to police," he added.

The business community present at the meeting demanded 'underground tax' to be declared illegal, shutting down of all check-gates and the setting up of a special anti-extortion cell.

Businessmen in the region had earlier threatened to shut down their businesses in the wake of rising extortion cases.

"We have faced the problems and if the government does not take any action we are contemplating on indefinite closure so I hope the government takes some steps," said Ato Yepthomi, President, Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association.

The menace of extortion has come in the way of the development of trade and commerce in the region and it needs to be dealt with on a priority basis.

Some businessmen are paying as much as Rs 60,000 per annum to militant groups operating in the region as tax. Those who refuse to do so are abducted, and often tortured to death. (ANI)