Womenfolk protest extortion, warn of stern action
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, June 17 2017:
Hundreds of womenfolk from various communities within Kangpokpi DHQs under the aegis of Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization today held 'Toumun Kiphin' (sit in protest) at the heart of Kangpokpi DHQs in protest against the alleged continual demands and extortion in the town.
Womenfolk congregated at Brig.
Thomas ground, Kangpokpi at around 11 am to deliberate on the monetary demands served on to Government officers/officials, departments including individuals, shop vendors and highway maintaining agencies.
Later, the womenfolk proceeded towards Kangpokpi main bazar and held Toumun Kiphin in the heart of the town to show their discontentment against the anti-social activities of various militant outfits in Kangpokpi DHQs.
Kangpokpi Bazar wore a deserted look with shops, business centres, hotels remaining closed for the day while the protesting womenfolk held placards "Stop Extortion', "Live and Let Live", etc during their protest.
Sources close to the protesting womenfolk dis-closed that a banned outfit has imposed monetary demands on Forest and Power Departments including few individuals and highway maintenance agencies while shop keepers at Kpi DHQs bazar always remain the soft target.
It also disclosed that the militant outfits are making a huge monetary demand of Rs 20 lakh each on Forest and Power Departments while the demand on shop keepers ranged from Rs 1500 to Rs 4000 and individuals amounting to Rs 50,000 .
"Militants are threatening us all the time.
We can't live in peace.
We are hiding most of the time.
We are suffering immensely at their hands.
Living a normal life is difficult for us," said a businessman on anonymity.
"Many militant organizations are troubling us with monetary demands.
We earn just enough to make both ends meet.
We don't have extra money that we can give," said another businessman.
Meanwhile, Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization asked the militant outfits to stop the monetary demands and extortions.