NSCN Denies Truck Driver Assault Allegation, Claims ‘Vehicle Tax’ Legit for Naga Political Struggle

Peren, November 23, 2019:

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has denied the allegation made by the Public Action Committee (PAC) of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) that NSCN cadres had beaten up a truck driver, demanding a tax of Rs. 15,000.

The NSCN also termed the allegation as ‘baseless’ and advised the PAC to refrain from interfering in its legitimate rights of collecting yearly vehicle tax.

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“We advise PAC not to stretch its hands too far to interfere into the legitimate rights of NSCN in collecting yearly vehicle tax as a part of the sustenance for Naga political struggle,” read a statement released from the MIP of the NSCN.

The statement further said that the cadres were on-duty enquiring the payment of yearly vehicle tax by the truck drivers. “While this process was going on, one of the truck drivers caused inordinate delay much to the displeasure of our cadres on duty. Our cadres went closer to him and put his hands on his shoulder to have closer talks. But, that move created panic and while trying to stay away he hit himself against the truck hurting his head. No money of any amount was taken from him neither a hand was raised against him,” informed NSCN.

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The statement also alleged that a woman named Khehuli Kibami has been extorting money amounting to Rs. 4000/-, 10,000/- and 20,000/- per truck. “We have come to learn that one Madam Sema (Khehuli Kibami) as testified by the truck drivers has been extorting money amounting to Rs. 4000/-, 10,000/- and 20,000/- per truck depending on goods carried in the name of KK Agency, Lahorijan, Assam,” it read.

NSCN further alleged that the woman “frequently threatens NSCN personnel on duty that she will send Indian security forces to arrest them. Consequent to this, Indian security forces managed to arrest many NSCN members. But, what has come to light is that Khehuli Kibami and Indian security forces are working hand in glove to extort money in the name of KK Agency, Lahorijan, Assam.”

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The statement questioned the basis of the woman’s act of extorting money from truck drivers in the name of KK agency.

Refuting the allegation made by the PAC, NSCN cautioned the PAC to draw the line between extortion and tax and not to go the way to distort Naga political movement by bringing confusion.

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