Entrepreneur Aolemba Issues Rejoinder to NSCN-K (Khango)

Noted entrepreneur and chairman of the Country Craft Development Society, Aolemba Longkumer on Friday issued a rejoinder to the NSCN-K (Khango) stating that the “unfounded accusations” made by the latter necessitates clarification to set the record straight.

In his rejoinder, Aolemba said that the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India under the MSE Cluster Development Program, had approved for setting up a Common Facility Centre (CFC) for Wooden Furniture Cluster at Dimapur, Nagaland.

“As per the guideline of the Ministry, the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Nagaland is the Nodal Agency and the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) Ltd, Dimapur, is the Implementing Agency for the Scheme,” the rejoinder read.

“The responsibility of the Country Craft Development Society, taking the role as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) would be to manage the day-to-day activities, running and maintenance of the CFC upon completion of civil works and installation of all machineries,” it added.

“I, as the Chairman of the Society, is a Co-Promoter/Beneficiary and not the contractor or supplier for this project, contrary to the allegations made against me,” Aolemba stated in the rejoinder. It was further mentioned that the CFC project is ongoing and all detailed information about the project and its current status is available with the concerned Nodal Agency and the Implementing Agency of the State Government.

“I would like to urge all the concerned not to be confused with the false allegation levelled against me,” he added.

In December 2024, a major incident emerged involving Aolemba Longkumer, an entrepreneur and recipient of the President’s Award, and the NSCN-K (Khango) group who issued a demand notice for Rs 50 lakh to Aolemba. This action by NSCN-K (Khango) has been met with widespread condemnation from various organizations and community groups.

In response to the backlash, NSCN-K (Khango) issued a clarification, stating that their action was a penalty for contractor Aolemba’s alleged failure to execute a project as per the DPR and for misappropriating funds. The latest rejoinder by Aolemba is in response to the clarification issued by NSCN-K (Khango).

ALSO READ | Ao Naga Youth Organizations Unite to Condemn Rs 50 Lakh Extortion Demand on Innovator

MT