Saturday, March 07, 2009

Nagaland timber union says no to KNF ‘demand’

DIMAPUR, MARCH 4 (MExN): Taking strong exception to the purported demand notice issued by the Kuki National Front (KNF) to timber contractors ranging from Rs. 2-3 lakh, the Nagaland Timber Trader’s Union (NTTU) has condemned the demand notice. The union has said that it would never bow to the pressure tactics of any outfit or groups.

The NTTU in a joint press statement issued by its president Kevise Angami, general secretary Alem Pongener, vice presidents Husca Zhimomi, N John Zeliang and M Kezo Angami, and treasurer Sanyi Dukru said the union has taken serious note of the “threat and demand notice” served to timber contractors and members of NNTU presently working in Kuilong village area, under Peren district, by one T Mate. Mate claimed to be the “secretary, Unit-1, cum-Finance of the Kuki National Front”.

The union also stated that on March 3, 2009, at around 7 p.m. while the NNTU was having a meeting in Dimapur, the “so-called Mate” again called up one NTTU member through mobile phone (9615431504) and threatened that the contractor’s life would be at risk if he did not pay up the money demanded, on or before March 10, 2009. “This hefty demand is incredulous and beyond the means of timber contractors and therefore NTTU can never and will never bow down to pressures of any outfit. Such huge demand will never be accepted by the timber traders,” NTTU said.

NTTU also stated that such demands were a direct threat not only to the union but also to the livelihood of hundreds of people who depend on legal timber business. The union further questioned the “legality” of KNF to serve demand notes in Kuilong area which, it said, falls under Zeliangrong jurisdiction.

“While reaffirming our strong opposition to such coercive methods, it is hereby made known to one and all that in the event of any untoward incident that may befall on our members and timber contractors due to the demand notice, the KNF will be held sole responsible,” NTTU cautioned.

The union also urged all authorities concern including the public to take note of “such unreasonable demands” and intervene before the situation went goes out of control.

Source: Morung Express

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