KOHIMA: In the wake of the recent kidnapping and subsequent rescue of a businessman in Nagaland, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has expressed its concerns over the growing threat of kidnappings in the state.
The CNCCI praised the efforts of the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in securing Anil Choudhary’s release and highlighted the alarming spread of, what they termed the “kidnapping cancer”, across the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the CNCCI urged KCCI to use all legal means to ensure that those businessmen responsible for involving a Naga political group (NPG) in the kidnapping of Choudhary be brought to book.
These actions by a few corrupt individuals have not only brought disgrace to the business community but have also empowered anti-social elements, read the statement.
CNCCI commended the efforts of the Kohima and Dimapur police in ensuring the safe release of the victim. However, they called for transparency and demanded that the names of the NPG and kidnappers involved be made public for public scrutiny.
The trade body stressed that such incidents, especially on the eve of the Hornbill Festival, could tarnish Nagaland’s image on a global scale in the age of information technology. They urged the government to prioritise the safety of the business community and the public.
CNCCI questioned the need for an NPG to get involved in what they referred to as a “petty financial matter” between individuals engaged in business, leading to a kidnapping.
They condemned the act as a disgrace to the Naga national movement, which once stood for high moral authority and standards. The CNCCI also called on NPGs to rein in their cadres and ensure that they do not exploit the Naga national movement for personal gain.
Choudhary was abducted from Dimapur on October 26 but was successfully rescued on November 2.
According to the Kohima Police PRO, the abduction was a result of a monetary dispute involving a close relative of the victim and a Naga political group.
A combined team of Kohima and Dimapur police personnel rescued Choudhary from Dimapur town.
While Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland, has been a hotspot for kidnappings, the recent incident in Kohima, the political capital of the state, has raised serious concerns.
