KOHIMA: The Nagaland government has pledged to stamp out illegal taxation in the state by National Political Groups (NPGs) and is prepared to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) to apprehend violators.
Calling the illegal taxation by NPGs “pure extortion”, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said that the administration is committed to tackle the menace of extortion in the state, as highlighted by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
In response to the DCCI’s five-point charter of demands to call off the indefinite shutter-down against extortion by NPGs, Patton asserted that the activities outlined therein flout existing laws and will be met with appropriate legal action, even outside the state’s jurisdiction.
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Expressing concern over the reluctance of individuals to report extortion cases, Patton, who also holds the Home and Border Affairs portfolio, urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The Minister assured anonymity and protection to those who come forward with information, stressing the importance of citizen engagement in combating criminal activities.
Echoing Patton’s sentiments, DGP Rupin Sharma lamented the challenges posed by the reluctance of individuals to report extortion cases.
Sharma revealed that a significant proportion of extortion cases registered by the Dimapur Police in the past six months were initiated suo moto due to the absence of complainants.
He attributed this reluctance to fear of reprisals from perpetrators and urged the public to repose trust in the police force.
Sharma outlined measures to enhance witness protection and improve the mobility of the police force.
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He reiterated that extortion and violations of Ceasefire Ground Rules (CGR) would be treated as violations of the law, with strict enforcement measures to follow.
Meanwhile, the DCCI called off the indefinite shutdown across the state starting from today.
This decision reportedly comes after the chamber received “encouraging response” from the state government regarding their demand to abolish illegal taxes imposed by NPGs on business establishments.
Additionally, the DCCI stressed the need for stricter enforcement of regulations against alleged extortion demands by these groups.
