ANTA office vandalisation: 1 held, no breakthrough so far 

Kohima Police has detained one suspect in connection with vandalisation of the All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) office in Kohima on Saturday night

KOHIMA — Kohima Police has detained one suspect in connection with vandalisation of the All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) office in Kohima on Saturday night.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Relo T Aye on Sunday told Eastern Mirror that an FIR was received on Saturday night and a case registered at the North Police Station.

Accordingly, one suspect was detained but so far “there is no breakthrough,” Aye said and added there was more than one person involved in the act. 

Three suspects were initially apprehended by the police but two were released as they were found to be students, sources said.

On Saturday evening at around 6 pm, some miscreants suspected to be from an underground faction entered the office of the ANTA Hq. Kohima office in the presence of the association’s general secretary Meyieho Hibo and demanded yearly tax.

When Hibo replied that ANTA stands for ‘one government, one tax,’ he was reportedly held at gunpoint while the miscreants damaged office property and documents.

Meanwhile, ANTA appealed for a thorough investigation into the incident and to ensure those responsible were held accountable for their actions.

“The unwarranted vandalism of the ANTA Office by the unknown tyrannical miscreants and putting the life of the official in danger was a clear manifestation of cowardice and unacceptable which needed to be seriously dealt with befitting law, by the law enforcing agencies,” ANTA stated in a press release.

The association also assured to cooperate with the law enforcing agencies as and when called for to “eradicate the evil act from society.”

BAN, NTWTA condemn

The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) and Nagaland Two Wheeler Taxi Association (NTWTA) have condemned the June 17 incident of vandalisation of the All Nagaland Taxi Association office in Kohima by armed miscreants.

Business Association of Nagas in a condemnation note said the “shameless and senseless attack perpetrated by individuals who shamelessly enjoy living off the sweat and hard work of others” deserves utmost contempt.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the depths to which some individuals are willing to sink to further their own selfish interests, BAN said and added that it is a callous disregard to the tireless efforts and valuable contributions made by the members of the business community.

“We stand firm in our condemnation of such despicable acts and send a clear message that they will not be tolerated. We firmly believe that an attack on one is an attack on all. We will not allow those who seek to exploit and prey on the hard work of others to disrupt our collective progress and prosperity,” the business body asserted.

While demanding the law enforcement agencies to take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators, the association also insisted that those responsible should be swiftly brought to justice and held accountable for their reprehensible actions.

“BAN remains steadfast in our unwavering commitment to fostering a business environment that is free from the exploitation and cruelty displayed by these attackers. We will continue to tirelessly advocate for the rights and well-being of our members, as we strive to create a secure and prosperous community for all,” it stated.

The association further iterated that it will work towards a community that upholds the values of integrity, fairness and respect and “build a future where hard work and dedication are honoured and rewarded.”

In a separate note, NTWTA stated, “This act of mindless destruction not only reflects lack of regards for others property but also showcases a complete disregard for the value of our society.”

The association urged the law enforcement agencies to take immediate step to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served at the earliest. “It is crucial that those responsible for this act of vandalism face appropriate legal consequences,” it stated.

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