Chamber questions police response, says abduction and extortion cannot be justified in the name of the Naga national movement
The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has strongly condemned the abduction of businessman Altaf Hussain by unidentified persons at New Market, Dimapur, on October 28, demanding his immediate and safe release.
In a press release, the CNCCI expressed solidarity with Hussain and his family, describing the incident as another disturbing reminder of the insecurity faced by the business community in Nagaland.
The organisation said the incident raised serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, particularly as CCTV footage reportedly indicated that the abduction took place in broad daylight in the narrow and busy lanes of New Market.
“Such incidents raise serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the law enforcement machinery,” the CNCCI stated, questioning how the abduction could have occurred without being prevented.
The chamber called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and transparently, identify and arrest everyone involved, and keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation and action taken. It said there could be no justification for allowing those responsible for such serious crimes to remain at large.
CNCCI rejects criminality in the name of Naga movement
Reiterating that grievances and disputes must be addressed through established legal and institutional mechanisms, the CNCCI said no individual or organisation was above the law. It stated that abduction, intimidation, extortion and other criminal acts were unacceptable, irrespective of the nature of the grievance involved.
The organisation also made a categorical appeal to the Naga political group (NPG) allegedly involved, stating that the Naga national movement was a historic struggle founded on the sacrifices, suffering, prayers and aspirations of the Naga people.
The CNCCI said the movement, shaped by generations who endured atrocities, torture and rape, must not be used to justify the kidnapping, extortion, intimidation or victimisation of innocent citizens, particularly members of the business community.
“Abduction and extortion cannot be considered acts of Naga nationalism. Rather, such criminal activities are anti-Naga and anti-people,” the chamber stated, adding that such acts brought disrepute to a movement founded on the sacrifices of the forefathers and the ideal of ‘Nagaland for Christ’.
It maintained that no cause, however noble, could justify such criminality and urged the NPG concerned to direct its efforts and resources towards an Indo-Naga solution rather than engaging in activities unrelated to the Naga national cause.
Appeal for public cooperation
The CNCCI also appealed to the New Market Business Owners’ Association, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), community leaders and the public to extend full cooperation to investigating authorities by sharing any relevant information that could help identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Stating that the business community stood firmly behind them, the organisation stressed that the safety, security and dignity of every citizen must be protected.
It called for immediate action by law enforcement agencies to secure Hussain’s unconditional and safe return, asserting that the business community could not be expected to function in an atmosphere of fear, lawlessness and insecurity.
“The rule of law must prevail, without exception,” the CNCCI stated.
