DIMAPUR, May 19 � Business activities in Phek town in Nagaland came to a standstill today with all business houses downing their shutters in protest against the threats made to the business community of the town by NSCN-K kilonser (minister) Thupuvezo Keyho.
The total Phek town shutdown was called by Phek Town Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) along with Phek Town Youth Society and Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Phek Unit to protest against the threats.
Media Cell, ACAUT Phek Unit, in a release today, said the NSCN-K kilonser passed an order to the business community to boycott the ACAUT rally held on May 15. He also demanded Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 as a penalty from certain businessmen on May 17 for defying his order.
It also alleged that Keyho along with his bodyguard even went to the extent of assaulting the shopkeepers and threatened them at gun point. He also threatened the public leaders of the town for inviting the ACAUT Nagaland team to Phek and even tried to disrupt the rally but was stopped by the authority, the release said.
Questioning why the NSCN-K leader was against the rally and what authority is vested in him to threaten the leaders and demand money from businessmen for not heeding his order, the NGOs of Phek town warned him that if he continues such actions against the will of the public, they along with the public will no more remain silent and that he will be held responsible for any untoward incident. They also threatened total non-cooperation with NSCN-K.
The ACAUT Phek Unit representatives also affirmed their pledge to �One Government One Tax� and extended full support to ACAUT Nagaland until its goal is achieved.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Minister for Roads and Bridges Kuzholuzo Nienu has expressed serious concern over the alleged threat meted out to the business community of Phek town thereby inviting the wrath of mass based organisations like ACAUT.
The Minister has also questioned the inaction of Phek district administration and the law enforcing agencies against the ultras involved in anti-social practices.
Pointing out that such inaction in the face of such anti-social elements disrupting the prevailing peace cannot be accepted, the Minister has urged the law enforcing agency to bring the culprit to book immediately and award befitting punishment.
