Villagers protest NSCN (IM) tax collection
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 31 2013:
Workers engaged in sand and pebble quarrying works on the banks of Itok river protested collection of tax by the cadres of NSCN (IM) cadres.
Itok river flows through Yairipok Chandrakhong and Phanjakhong villages of Heirok Assembly Constituency.
In a sit-in-protest organised by the villagers of Chandrakhong Mayai Keithel and nearby villages, a quarry worker said that some armed cadres snatched away vehicle documents and keys from truck drivers at around noon of July 29 .
After the incident the armed cadres asked the drivers to come at NSCN (IM) Army Gate, Yeasom (Khoibirok).
They gave the said information by handing over a piece of paper wherein the address was written to a nearby shop, he added.
After the incident, no truck came for sand and stone quarry at the area that has given a huge impact in earning livelihood of the villagers.
The protesters said that although troops of nearby 15 Assam Rifles Post assured the villagers to help the drivers in taking the vehicle documents and keys, they did not gave any assurance to provide security and safety.
Sand and pebble quarry at Itok river is the means of livelihood for the villagers of Chandrakhong, Mayai Keithel, Tangkhul Khullen, Soraland, Sombrei, Phanjathong and Saram Patong etc.
The protesters urged the outfit concerned not to do anything which may affect earning of the poor villagers in future.
Saying that army gate of NSCN (IM) at Yeasom (Khoibirok Khullen) is located between Assam Rifles Post at Khoibirok Khumbi and Sonbrei, the protesters expressed dissatisfaction to Assam Rifles for not taking any action to the armed cadres of the outfit.