Mokokchung, 23 December (MTNews): The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has issued a strong condemnation of the extortion and harassment of Aolemba Longkumer, a bonafide member of the Ao community, on December 16, 2024. Cadres of the NSCN (K) Khango group reportedly demanded Rs 50 lakh from Longkumer, a move AKM described as a “not only an outright criminal act but also a grave threat to the safety and dignity of law-abiding citizens.”
In a press statement, the AKM called the extortion attempt a betrayal of the principles of Naga identity and rights. “It is deeply disturbing that such actions are perpetrated by those who claim to uphold Naga identity and rights, yet stoop to such illegal and morally indefensible practices,” the organization stated.
Longkumer, a recipient of the prestigious President of India Award and the Governor’s Award for entrepreneurship, is widely respected for his contributions to social development and life skills training, AKM said. It expressed outrage over the harassment of an individual whose work has inspired countless Naga youths. “Such acts of intimidation undermine the hard work and integrity of honest citizens, shaking public confidence in the rule of law,” the AKM emphasized.
Highlighting the increasing prevalence of extortion across Nagaland, the AKM called for urgent action to address the issue. “These criminal practices threaten economic stability and public safety, and if left unchecked, could escalate into a broader crisis of law and order,” the statement read.
The AKM urged the State Government to take decisive steps to dismantle organized criminal networks and hold the perpetrators accountable. It is imperative that such organized criminal networks be dismantled to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, it added.
“The failure to act decisively against these acts of extortion and intimidation will only embolden criminal groups, jeopardizing the peace and stability of Nagaland,” the AKM cautioned.
The AKM demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the “heinous crime” without delay. It also reiterated its commitment to standing against “all forms of criminality that threaten the integrity of our society.”
ALSO READ | Ao Naga Youth Organizations Unite to Condemn Rs 50 Lakh Extortion Demand on Innovator