Non SoO group allegedly involved
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, June 18 2017:
The continuous monetary demand and extortion served not only to Government officials but also to shop vendors has created an uneasy environment in the DHQs and other places along NH2.A source who is close to a victim disclosed that a particular non SoO Kuki militant group suspected to be KUFO is responsible for the tense situation and hardships of the people.
The source further said that a sum of Rs I 20 lakh extortion demand has been served to Forest, Transport and Electricity Department with dire consequence if not granted j on time.
Meanwhile, several shop vendors also faced similar incidents with lesser amount and huge amounts was demanded from few individuals, threatening to take their life if the money is not handed at the earliest, the source stated.
It also stated that the militant outfit also warned the victims not to disclose the infor-mation of extortion to anyone including security forces and threatened to award extreme punishment if they fail to cooperate.; Many shop vendors have reportedly de-cided to abandon Motbung bazar and shift towards Kanglatongbi areas while similar incident has also been reported at; Kangpokpi DHQs.
Another source claimed that on the night of June 14, cadres of KUFO " walked freely with arms in full combat-dress" in Kangpokpi town and intruded into the house of special contractor Tongkhohao Kipgen and demanded a sum of Rs 5 lakh.
It said that the banned militant outfit re- peatedly phoned Tongkhohao Kipgen from the following day.
The source further claimed that KUFO is also responsible in the recent abduction of a Forest Ranger with a huge monetary de mand with even the victim's family refusing to disclose the identity of the group out of fear.
A shop vendor at the DHQs said, Kangpokpi is no more safe for the people to live peacefully.
There are numerous demands from militant organizations, the latest being claimed as KUFO.
Who is responsible for the security of us and how are armed militants roaming freely inside the town with uniform?" .
Meanwhile, KWWO also accused security forces including the State police in the District HQs questioning how the banned militants could freely roam around the district HQs and place monetary demand anytime and anywhere.