Another businessman brutalized by armed men

KOHIMA, AUG 20 : Iterating yet again the silent suffering of the business people in Nagaland, one of the two soft targets—the other being private citizens—of “tax” from the numerous underground factions, another businessperson, this time in Kohima, has been assaulted and threatened to be shot by underground activists.

The proprietor of Seven Six, a grocery located at the Old Ministers’ Hill was assaulted by members of an underground faction on the evening of August 19 inside his shop.

The victim is also a member of the Naga Business Association of Kohima (NBAK).
In a press conference called by the NBAK this afternoon, the proprietor narrated his ordeal. He said to have received two so-called “yearly tax” demands from the faction, not identified. The demand was one each for March and another for June.

He reportedly paid Rs 5,000 (the “receipt” of the amount was made available to media persons) after negotiating. The actual “tax” was said to have been Rs 15,000.

Thereafter, he said to have received a call from someone who introduced himself as “army major” and enquired if the victim had paid the so-called “yearly tax.” He was threatened through phone calls; that the “tax” must be paid. The perpetrator threatened to shut the victim’s business if he failed to comply.

Then, to add to the wound, the perpetrator allegedly threatened that his family members would not be spared either.

Consequently, on August 19 around 7:10 pm three persons entered his shop, grabbed him by the neck, pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot him. All this happened in the presence of salesgirls who were also inside the store, the media persons were told.

The salesgirls were also reportedly threatened by the men when they tried to run away.

The victim was hit on the head with the grip of a handgun. This caused a wound and a dent behind his ear, which led to bleeding.

The perpetrators left after threatening him, he said. The victim then reported the matter to the NBAK.

Angry officials of the NBAK vehemently condemned the assault and assured that they will not take the atrocity silently when the business people were being subjugated to constant harassment and assault.

It was informed that an FIR was lodged with the South Police Station of Kohima.

While asserting that they were not against the ‘Naga issue,’ the members of the NBAK have reminded that the state was infested with ‘too many underground factions,’ with each faction demanding their “yearly tax.”

They agreed that the situation was making it impossible for the people to thrive in business. It is causing psychological disturbances among the business people,’ they said.

Stating that the “taxes” were being paid only out of compulsion, the members of the business organization said, ‘This kind of activity by our own community trying to destroy our people will jeopardize the whole state.’

They also reminded that matters can be resolved without the use of violence.

The NBAK was formed with the objective ‘to protect and safeguard the local business people’, the members said.

The organization has assured that they will take the matter to the ‘highest level’ until the matter is resolved, and also to prevent harassment of the community in the future. The organization has asked the underground faction in concern to take action against their cadres at the earliest.