Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: January 29, 2025 -

IT needs no reminding that insurgent outfits which are active in the valley districts have been relying heavily on extortion to fund their armed movement against the establishment whereas random collection of unauthorised tax from commercial vehicles has been the primary source of funding for armed organisations dominant in the hill areas.

While almost all the armed outfits operating in the valley districts have been declared unlawful organisations and government forces continue to launch operations to neutralise the cadres as well as uphold sanctity of the government institutions, and safety of bureaucrats, legislators and the wealthier section of the society, which/who are the main targets of the extorters, there has been no significant impact of such operations in the hills, consequently resulting in valley-based civil society organisations raising hue and cry as and when security forces intensify search operations to apprehend members of insurgent outfits, especially in the wake of the Kuki-Meetei clash.

As such, the recent establishment of the integrated anti-extortion cell amid sharp rise in incidents of armed miscreants planting bombs, opening fire at residential houses and triggering blasts at government offices and private institutions, targeting business persons, contractors, etc., almost all intended to extract money, has the potential to be viewed sceptically, for the simple reason that security forces seem to lack the will and commitment to stop unauthorised tax collection in the hills.

Nevertheless, establishment of the integrated anti-extortion cell having official representatives of state and central security agencies, would be welcomed by many, as sharp increase in the number of extortion activities ever since the Manipur violence broke out in May 2023 has started to affect the economy and take a heavy toll at the personal level.

Prior to activation of the cell under the command of the state's home department with the sole purpose to put an end to illegal extortion of money from civilians, government employees, contractors and others, chief minister N Biren had been expressing serious concern over the spike in extortion cases, often marked by violence to create fear psychosis and force the targeted persons or institutions cede to the monetary demand served.

Making formal announcement, chief secretary Prashant Kumar Singh specified that the Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell will have representatives from the state police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles and Army and called upon the general population to contact the cell through the toll-free number 1800 202 3326 so as to stop the menace of extortion, and create an efficient and robust response mechanism to address demands and extortion-related activities, ensuring the safety and security of the public.

However, it remains to be seen how the people would respond as it is obvious that the security agencies cannot guarantee security to the informants.

Like it or not, it's an open secret that extortion; which armed organisations waging movement against the establishment opt to call loyalty tax, remains one of the funding sources, not all the victims approach the police due to fear of reprisals.

With those directly involved in the on-going Kuki-Meetei clash equipped with highly sophisticated and costly weapons, including rocket launchers, it is but natural that the masses would be asked to contribute their mite or face the consequences, as is evident from threat calls and warning shots at regular intervals.