MON, AUGUST 7: All petrol pumps across Mon district will remain shut indefinitely from August 8 following alleged extortion demands, intimidation and threats by the NSCN (Angmai), the Mon District Petrol Pump dealer’s Union (MDPPDU) announced.
According to a notice issued by the union, the decision was taken after petrol pump owners and operators were subjected to continuous illegal taxation demands, threats and summons, making it increasingly difficult to carry out business under constant fear. The union warned that the indefinite shutdown is likely to affect public transport, emergency services and the supply of essential commodities across the district.
In a separate complaint addressed to the Konyak Union (Apex), the MDPPDU alleged that the NSCN (Angmai) had summoned members of the union to appear at its designated camp on or before August 7 regarding yearly taxation. The union termed the summons arbitrary and appealed to the Konyak Union to intervene immediately. It also cited a resolution adopted during its first general meeting on May 23, which resolved that all fuel outlets would shut down if any member faced threats, intimidation or coercion from any group until the matter was resolved.
Speaking exclusively to Nagaland News Network (NNN) over the phone, the General Secretary of the MDPPDU said the matter has now been handed over to the Konyak Union, expressing hope that it will be resolved at the earliest while maintaining peace in the district.He said there are currently around 11 petrol pumps operating under Mon, Tizit, Naginimora and Aboi, with a few more under construction, and all existing outlets will remain closed until the issue is resolved.
The General Secretary further stated that while other Naga political groups have also sought taxes in the past, they had never threatened the dealers or summoned the union to their base camp in the manner alleged against the NSCN (Angmai). He added that the business community cannot continue operating under constant pressure and fear, and called for a peaceful resolution that would allow normal business activities to resume.
