Naga body urges to cease monetary demands
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 18 2024: Imphal Naga Business Association (INBA) has appealed to all concerned to cease serving excessive monetary demands to Naga entrepreneurs and shopkeepers operating in the valley in the name of prevailing crisis in the state.

Addressing the media at Thangmeiband Tarung community hall, here, on Wednesday, INBA president Annish Khamrang stated that the Naga entrepreneurs and shopkeepers based in the valley have been extending support to donation drives, carried out in connection with the conflict.

However, some armed groups have been issuing threats to comply with the monetary demands served in the name of the crisis, which is unfortunate.

Such threats are basically telling the Naga people not to stay in Imphal, he said and appealed to all concerned not to make such demands in the future.

Association executive member Lucy Lanamai recounted that some Naga entrepreneurs and shop keepers were told by an armed group to come to Kwakeithel area for a meeting on September 15 during which the group demanded Rs 20,000 each from the entrepreneurs and shopkeepers and declined appeal for lowering the demanded amount.

Even suggestion for paying in instalment was rejected and the group threatened that the payment must be made by Wednesday.

Stating that all the entrepreneurs and shops are small businesses who are just trying to earn a livelihood and take care of their families, she said that as humans, they want to help all those affected by the conflict and have been doing so till date.

However, they do not have the means to fulfil such exorbitant demands, she remarked, and appealed to all concerned not to continue such acts in the future.

It is said that INBA will be submitting a memorandum to the Governor with regard to this pressing matter.

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