The NSCN (Khango-Hokato) has demanded accountability from Aolemba Longkumer, the individual allegedly responsible for implementing the Micro and Small Enterprises-Common Development Programme (MSE-CDP) under the Ministry of MSME in Nagaland.
In a press release, the group raised concerns over the progress and financial management of the scheme, questioning the time taken to complete the project and the utilization of funds. It also demanded the submission of cash vouchers and invoices for all machinery purchased under the program.
The NSCN (K-H) further alleged that Aolemba had denied involvement in the scheme despite signing sanctioned amount received slips. Additionally, the group “directed” the concerned department to provide details of civil works and technical machinery related to the project.
The group also warned Aolemba and the department that they would face strict action if they failed to provide the requested information.
Meanwhile, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has strongly condemned what it described as “reprehensible extortion attempts” by the NSCN/GPRN (K-H), which allegedly demanded `50 lakh from Aolemba, who also serves as chairman of the special purpose vehicle (SPV) responsible for managing the Common Facility Centre (CFC) for the furniture cluster.
In its press release, BAN expressed concern over the state government’s silence, stating, “The government’s silence on this matter is particularly troubling, as it may be perceived as an inability to protect its citizens.”
The association criticized the government for its lack of effective enforcement and political will, claiming this has created a power vacuum that allows groups like NSCN (K-H) to exploit the situation, spread insecurity, and undermine public trust.
“When extortion demands fail, NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Hokato Vusshe) resorting to moral policing is a last-ditch attempt to salvage their image,” the association said.
It accused the group of using organisational fronts to perpetrate extortion and warned that their motives would eventually be exposed.
“BAN wishes to put on record that it is fully cognisant of the modus operandi employed by certain individuals who utilise various organisational fronts to perpetrate extortionist activities,” the association said.
Cautioning that such actions and duplicitous intentions will ultimately be exposed, and their attempts to legitimise their activities using the interest of the Naga people and development plank will be revealed at the opportune time, the BAN asserted that the Naga people will not be taken for granted, and that their rights and interests will be safeguarded.
“We must recognise that a life of luxury built on the hard work and sweat of others is morally reprehensible,” BAN stated, urging collective action against extortion, corruption, and fear-mongering.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring such situations, adding, “The Business Association of Nagas will continue to vigilantly monitor the situation, ensuring the rule of law is upheld. We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the established order, undermine governmental authority, or compromise the future of the Naga people.”
BAN demanded the government to take a firm stance against the “extortion attempts” and apprehend the “culprit and mastermind” responsible for extortion and intimidation.
It also called upon the government to protect citizens’ rights by ensuring that citizens are not harassed or coerced by any organisation.
Further, it recommended strengthening of institutions and to ensure that the government is effective in maintaining law and order.
“The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) will continue to vigilantly monitor the situation, ensuring the rule of law is upheld. We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the established order, undermine governmental authority, or compromise the future of the Naga people,” it added.