[Previous entry: "Jami rejoins NSCN (IM) morungexpress"] [Next entry: "Death-threat to leaders noted morungexpress"]

07/18/2008: "Nagaland govt takes serious note of death threat Morungexpress"

Nagaland govt takes serious note of death threat Morungexpress

Kohima |: Nagaland government had taken serious note of the Media reports about the threat made by an NSCN (K) leader to the lives of state chief minister, home minister and the DGP which was published in a prominent regional newspaper which was again reprinted in a local daily today. “It is a death warrant” and “we’re very seriously taking the matter”, said state Home Minister Imkong L Imchen. We’re taking very seriously about the threat as it has come from the mouth of such a highly responsible and highly placed leader of the NSCN-K” he said. “He (Kughalu Mulatono) had already decreed us that the fate of late Hesso Mao is awaiting us”, Imchen said and demanded from the NSCN-K leader an explanation on the reasons behind issuing such threats.
Meanwhile the Chief Minister today issued a response to the statement of the underground leader that the aforesaid leaders and police official would be held responsible for break-down of the ceasefire. “It is clearly known to one and all that the ceasefire is between the underground groups and the GoI and the state government has no direct role to play in the ceasefire and the political dialogue” the CMO’s office reminded.
Still, the CM said, the DAN government has time and again made public of its role as an active facilitator in the peace-process. “In fact, it is the state government which is one of the loudest advocators for the talks to be expedited and that the underground factions and the GoI should listen to the voice of the people. The state government’s commitment to pave way in the event of any alternative arrangement is reached if the dialogue reaches a logical conclusion, still stands” the CM said.
Therefore, the CMO reminded, the question of the chief minister or any organ of the state being responsible for breakdown of the ceasefire does not arise. The chief minister has once more appealed to the underground leaders to heed to the call of the civil society and listen to the cry of the people “if they (factions) are sincere in their stand that they are working for permanent peace and for the cause of the Naga people.”
‘The Telegraph’ in a report in its July 16 issue had quoted Kughalu Mulatonu, emissary to the collective leaderships of NSCN (K), of not only threatening to scrap the ongoing ceasefire with the GoI but also threatened state chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Home Minister Imkong L Imchen and DGP J Changkija of facing the same fate as former DGP late Hesso Mao who was assassinated.
Alleging that the Centre and the state government are forcing them to consider breaking the ceasefire, he also warned that the outfit could not be held accountable for the breakdown of the truce. “The government of India, Neiphiu Rio, Imkong L. Imchen and J. Changkija will be directly responsible for the breakdown of ceasefire,” if anyone tried to act “oversmart they will be forced to bite the dust like Hesso Mao”, the rebel leader was quoted to have stated.

Issued by MIP/GPRN
MY SOJOURN TO THE K-CAMP.

Regarding my resignation from the NSCN and joining the 'K' group three (3) year ago, I have nothing to say for and against anybody or authority or this or that. But in a nutshell, I can only say that I went (to the K-Camp), I saw and I discovered and came back. In a win win politics, in order to outdo the others much had been spoken and written for and against each other, individually or collectively, rightly or wrongly. But everything had been buried in the last years' proclamation of the Chairman of NSCN Mr. Isaac Chishi Swu for unity and reconciliation. Let us look forward for united body of Naga National workers for courage and strength and put up a united front for achieving the cherished goal of the Nagas.
Lastly, as a bonafide citizen and as a human being, and under my civic and political obligations, I have had to give a positive response to the call of the place where my little contributions are highly valued.

Dated: Oking The July 18th ,2008.
A.Z Jami Senior Naga National worker


Press Statement JULY18, 08

In the operation against the illegal tax collection by the Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group the Town Command of NSCN arrested two civilians namely Huto Zhimomi S/O Ghokheto of VK.Town and Vikato Awomi S/O Kiyekhe Awomi of Phuyemi Village. They were found to be used by tax collector Vikikhe Sumi of Shoxuvi Village. They were released after interrogation and caution by the Town Command authority not to take the risk in tax Collection. This is also to serve a warning to the public that any civilian caught in similar act will face severe consequence.

Press Statement
JULY18, 08 Issued by MIP/GPRN

NSCN welcome another group of Home comers from UT-1 .

Sl.No Name Designation N/ Village

1. Mr. Rangkham Leacy Vishiyi
2. Mr. Kikheto chishi Leacy Hovukhu
3. Mr. Hutovi Yeptho Raju Peyu Ghoshito
4. Mr. Khehuto Chophy Raju Peyu Ghoshito
5. Mr. Lanu Ao Raju Peyu Dimapur town
6. Mr. Zakato Achumi Khapur Ghoshito
7. Mr. Aron Chishi Khapur Hovukhu
8. Mr. Mughabeto Chishi Khapur Hovukhu
9. Mr. Ahoshe Aye Khapur Niuland town
10. Mr. Mughato Chophy Khapur Luzheto
11. Mr. Kihovi Chophy Khapur S. Hetoyi
12. Mr. Bovito Chophy Khapur Hovukhu
13. Mr. Hotoyi Achumi Khapur Ghoshito
14. Mr. Vikheto Chophy Khapur Shikavi
15. Mr. Mr. Ghutoshe Achumi Captain Hovukhu
16. Mr. Tokavi Sumi Corporal Lotovi
17. Mr. P. John Private Homeland
Tangkhul Hoho express gratitude to NSCN/GPRN morungexpress
Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): The Tangkhul Hoho Nagaland today expressed heartfelt gratitude to the “commander of NSCN/GPRN” for his good gesture in assuring to release three abducted youths, found to be innocent public members. The Tangkhul Hoho in a message of gratitude quoted the said “commander” that the youths, one Tangkhul and two Khiamungan, who were abducted on 15 July at 6AM from the Blue Hill station area on suspicion, would be released on humanitarian grounds “since we found them innocent public.” The hoho said this kind gesture is highly appreciated by one and all. “Your noble service towards the civilian shall always be remembered by our community” the hoho stated. The hoho also thanked a number of individuals, GBs and DBs as well as NGOs for seeing to the release of the said youths.

Meet vows to ensure peace in Kohima Nagarealm.com
Kohima, JUL16 [NPN] : Expressing serious concern over the present situation in Kohima town and its surrounding areas, deputy commissioner of Kohima, Sachopra Vero Wednesday vowed to make all efforts to flush out underground cadres from civilian inhabited areas. Presiding an emergency meeting of public leaders along with SP Kohima Renchamo Kikon here at DC’s conference hall, the DC called upon the general public to give full cooperation and support to the administration and the police to ensure peace in the state capital.

Giving a review of the security coordination meeting held Tuesday, the DC informed that business establishments or residences would be sealed if incriminatory documents, arms or ammunitions were found during the flush out operations. Assuring to conduct regular colony-wise frisking operations, the DC said deliberations on the issue should be made public in colony meetings for complete flush-out of underground cadres from the colonies. Vero urged the public to immediately inform the police or the administration in case of any “apprehension” and further assured to provide special arrangement or attention to call of the public. He also stressed on the need to strengthen check gates. Pointing out to the growing numbers of armed cadres in the capital, thereby posing threat to the civilians, and the need for immediate precautionary measures, the DC appealed to the public leaders, GBs, colony representatives, youth leaders and women leaders for their support and cooperation. SP Kohima Renchamo Kikon called for a joint effort of police, administration, armed forces and the public to check the presence of armed cadres in civilian populated areas and said “it is not just a problem of the police or the administration alone. It is an issue that needs to be resolved by the public.” He also appealed for public support and co-operation to help the police in maintaining peaceful and cordial environment in the capital town.

The meeting was attended by chairperson of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) Menuovilie Kesiezie and representative s from the KMC, Kohima Village, Jotsoma village, Angami Public Organization, Angami Women Organization, Angami Youth Organization, Kohima Chamber of Commerce Industries, GBs and colony representatives. Public and colony leaders in the meeting warned that house owners giving shelter to underground cadres would be held sole responsible in the event of any clash or tension created by the cadres. Public leaders also suggested for monthly flush out operations to be carried out in all colonies.

NSCN on Vihokhu camp' attack Nagaland Page
22 days already since the illegal Vihokhu camp went up in smoke, but the Azheto-Mulatuno-Kitovi group is still licking their wound. The humiliation and defeat at the hands of the Naga Army is haunting them day and night. For the third time they face the misfortune and the casualty at the hands of the Naga Army is crossing three digits. The eviction operation was inevitable because the spirit of the ceasefire ground rules has to be set in order, but it was a reluctant operation as the government of India refused to act. Nevertheless, the operation was conducted with human touch to minimize lose of human lives. Otherwise, there could have been total annihilation. Barbarity was never the option despite futile attempt by the Vihokhu campers to defend the camp. The lost of more than 30 precious souls is a lost for the Naga nation. But the reactionary group with the head strong leaders sacrifices so many young boys for no cause. Indignantly, to cover up their horrible defeat, they are crying foul against the NSCN using highly fabricated communal language targeting certain tribal group. But it evoked scornful laughter by the public because it defies ground realities.
The holy name of God was again brought into the scene. But if God was with them why they suffered such a huge lost of human lives? This is disturbing to hear and hard to be accepted for anyone who knows the omnipotence of God. Certainly, God cannot be with the forces whose ways are intoxicated with evil plans, and truly, God has forsaken the forces whose hands are still tipping with the blood of the innocent civilians and the devilish plans still at work in their minds.
The game of deceitfulness has not worked and the Nagas are never that naïve to be taken for granted. Limit is there in everything, but when things went too far it became a source of public mockery. And taking the name of God in vain, the wrath may follow in a more horrible way. This is the truth about Vihokhu camp attack and never the other way.
There is no doubt that Indo-Naga struggle crossing sixty years is replete with many battles fought with the enemies. But Naga Army never considers the Vihokhu camp attack as another battle. Had the Naga Army treated the attack as another battle field the whole inhabitants of the camp could have been wipe out. The mission was just eviction of the illegal camp and to drive home the point that NSCN would like to do serious business with ceasefire ground rules but daring to go to any extend to sent the message across that it tolerate no criminalization of ceasefire ground rules. As the demolishment of the Vihokhu Camp show lessons has to be taught but in a very harsh way involving huge lost of human lives and properties (ill-gotten wealth). It is for the Naga people to judge which side was God on that fateful day and why God has treated the Vihokhu campers so cruelly. On 27th June there organized a huge party in Delhi hosted by the businessman of Dimapur to rejoice the destruction of the Vihokhu camp. Because the Vihokhu camp kidnappers still haunts them.
Oh thy name is Naga but your works are bereft of any Naga spirit that builds up brotherhood and nationhood. Under the stolen name of GPRN/NSCN you continue to spit venom of tribalism. But nothing surprising nevertheless! You are made to exist to serve this purpose. Under the circumstance you somehow intoxicated yourself and you went extreme, compelling wrath to fall on you at Vihokhu camp, and this is the truth about Vihokhu Camp attack.
Glorifying the names of the brave Tangkhul Army Commanders of Naga Army of NSCN by the so called Defense Ministry-GPRN/NSCN is nothing short of giving them military honor. This is well appreciated. The numerous but fictitious names that are hardly related to any bonafide Naga names are also praise worthy. But such inventive mind should have been utilized somewhere, and productively.
Newspapers are being used to hide the shameless debacle of Vihokhu camp. But unlike this organized gang of criminals making big noise under the stolen name of GPRN/NSCN, the Naga people of today are well developed with shrewd sense of judgment and knowing too well the distinct difference between good and bad, heroes and villains, national workers and pseudo-national workers and etc. and they will never accept anything that contravene the ground realities. No matter how much the gang members tried to change the colour of the Vihokhu camps' attack the truth is there, and the truth shall remain. And the truth shall haunt them as long as they exist.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN.

NSCN on AZ Jami's return Nagaland Page
AZ.Jami's short live stay in K-group was bedevilled by many reasons, but the humiliation that comes in heaps makes all the differnce. The three years in K-group was too long a period for Jami to realize his mistakes for leaving NSCN in hurry in 2005. But like how universal saying goes "In politics nothing is permanent". There are unpleasant memories in the relationship between Jami and NSCN. But the past has to be forgotten and forgiven. Human as we are, everyone is prone to make mistakes. What really matters is the realization of the mistakes. This is the turning point for Jami and he makes no secret of his satisfaction in rejoining hands with his old comrades- in arms saying "better die fighting by the side of NSCN".
Kilonser khayao Hurrey's tone of reception for Jami is reflective of the magnanimity of NSCN. He said "gone is gone, the future is important". He is drawing on the realistic socio-political state of affairs and the need to be big hearted. The dawn of political maturity on Jami never comes too late.
The other 10 members who accompanied Jami to Hebron confessed that they feel betrayed when they were made to function under the egos and whims of the selfish individual leaders, and without the reflection of the national objective. They have expressed full faith and hope in the Yaruiwo's Proclamation of 13th January 2007 for unity and reconciliation but their leaders in K-group failed to respond to this proclamation in good spirit, but rather pollutes the very meaning for vested interests. But to be used by the like of Mulatuno-Kitovi dou who actually runs the shows in K-group, they finally decided to put their foot down.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN.
Mizoram and Nagaland to fight for Indigenous People protection Our Correspondent Morungexpress
Kohima | July 17 : A special delegation from Mizoram has urged Nagaland state to join hands and fight against the move to do away with the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, which gives protection to the tribal indigenous people of Mizoram, Arunachal and Nagaland from being exploited by others.
“It is a matter of life and death for the future generation of the indigenous people of Arunachal, Mizoram and Nagaland,” and “our visit is an awakening call to Nagaland”, said the visiting team’s leader and Minister H. Rammawi, addressing a press conference at Hotel Japfu today afternoon.
The team from Mizoram consisting of representatives from all political parties in Mizoram, civil organizations including the students, church and youth organization are here at the backdrop of the recent Guwahati High Court’s interim order towards lifting ILP from Mizoram. The court’s order came following a litigation filed by some organizations.
3 states to demonstrate on July 21 “Either we join hands and fight together or perish together as we’re sailing in the same boat,” said the visiting delegation who arrived at the state capital after visiting Arunachal Pradesh and Assam carrying the same message and appeal. In the Constitution of India, there is no other provision to protect and safeguard the indigenous tribal peoples, except the BEFR.
“If the ILP system is lifted, we cannot do anything therefore, it is high time we join hands and fight together to uphold and safeguard the BEFR to protect and safeguard the indigenous tribal people before it’s too late. At all cost of our future generation, we’re ready to face any consequences in Mizoram, and we expect you to be ready too”, said Rammawi.
Dwelling at length the background of the move to do away with the system of Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the century-old Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, he said the move was started some 20 years back when Mizoram had called an emergency Assembly session and opposed tooth and nail the action. Again, some organizations had revived the move by filing litigation in the court.
Reminding of the danger ahead if the ILP is lifted, he cited the example of how the tribal people of Tripura and Cachar district were totally overrun by infiltrators from Bangladesh. Similarly, in upper Assam one third of the population has now been dominated by aliens and infiltrators. Next, they’re trying to over run the people of Mizoram, Arunachal and Nagaland, he warned.
The team on their arrival called on Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at his office chamber. Rio was accompanied by Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Yitachu, Chief Secretary Lalhuma and host of other government officials as well as the president of the Naga Hoho. They had a long deliberation with the visiting Mizoram delegation. Later, the delegates also had separate consultations with the Naga Students’ Federation.
“We had very good meeting” said the visiting team’s leader while referring to the meeting with the Nagaland government. “We enjoy not only the hospitality but also 110% support from Nagaland”, Rammawi added.
Meanwhile, the NSF and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) has issued a joint statement strongly opposing the move to scrap the BEFR and warned that such a move would open a disturbing floodgate of infiltrators into the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. In this regard, the two frontals have resolved to fight any such attempt as it tantamount to non-violent genocide of ethnic ad indigenous peoples. The two frontals also resolved that the three affected states will stage a protest in front of the two states’ respective Raj Bhavan on July 21 to mark resentment against the move to scrap the BEFR, 1873.
Further, it reminded that the same BEFR, 1873 is presently not extended and so they have urged the Union Government of India to extend the same to all the eight states of the Northeast region. Earlier, the team had visited Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and met the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, civil society, All Assam Student’s Union (AASU) and North Eastern Student Organization (NESO).
In Arunachal, both the state representatives had signed a joint statement to uphold and safeguard the enforcement of BEFR and oppose the move to lift the ILP system from Mizoram. It also urged all the governments of the NER to cut across party lines and extend all-out support to promote, protect and guard the tribal identities. It was resolved to put up a concerted effort and urged the GoI to uphold and extend the BEFR to all NE states. On the other hand, civil society of Arunachal Pradesh passed a resolution extending its fullest support to the visiting Mizoram.

Bangladesh, a safe haven for Indian insurgents Nagarealm.com
New Delhi, JUL18 [CNN-IBN] : For the first time since 1992, Bangladesh Rifles handed over to India three Bodo insurgents sheltered in Bangladesh. But as foreign secretaries of both countries meet in New Delhi on Thursday, India has made clear that patience is running thin in Delhi over Dhaka's attitude of staying in a denial mode over most of the insurgent groups are operating freely from inside Bangladesh.

After the May 2008 Jaipur blasts, the August 2007 blasts in Hyderabad and the Mecca Masjid bombing it is clear Bangladesh is not only becoming a safe haven for the terrorists but also a hideout for insurgent groups from Northeast India, a part of the country which continues to simmer as separatist militants flex their muscle from Dhaka. The main guys are never caught. Even their presence is denied,” says Former Chief of RAW, Vikram Sood. CNN-IBN has access to the latest list of nearly 100 Indian insurgent camps, hideouts and safe houses in Bangladesh, which was given to the military government in Dhaka recently.


The document clearly shows that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leads the pack of separatist groups that operate from Bangladesh from the heart of capital Dhaka. ULFA has hideouts in places like Ansumoy Hotel in Dhaka's posh Gulshan area to districts like Hobigunj, Khagracheri - is where ULFA's top leadership including self-styled Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua escaped an assassination attempt - Moulvi Bazar, Mymensingh, Bandardarban, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Cox's Bazar. The group also maintains seven active training camps across Bangladesh

While Paresh Barua is hiding in Bangladesh, the chief arms procurer for the Naga insurgent outfit-NSCN (IM) is also there. That means that despite the 11-year-long ceasefire with India, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim led by Thuingaleng Muivah still maintains two active training camps in Khagrachari and Bandarban. According to this secret interrogation report sent in January by the Additional Director General, Punjab Police, Babbar Khalsa militants were in regular touch with the NSCN-IM rebels in Nagaland for procurement of weapons. Which means that the outfit has been actively involved in the business of illegal weapons, in clear violation of ceasefire ground-rules.

Apart from the ULFA and NSCN(IM), most guerilla outfits from Northeast India are sheltered in Bangladesh from People's Liberation Army from Manipur to All Tripura Tigers Force to the National Liberation Front of Tripura to United Achik National Front. India alleges Indian insurgents based in Bangladesh are getting help from Islamic fundamentalist groups. Sources say that many Islamic radical groups, like the Harkat-Ul-Jehad-Al_Islami (HUJI), have set up their training camps along with some of the insurgent training camps. [Sumon K Chakrabarti]

Alert sounded all over, says DGP Newmai News Network
Imphal, Jul 17 : Against the backdrop of unabated media reports of children disappearing and allegedly joining a militant outfit as child soldiers, Manipur police department has sounded a red alert to all district police stations and outposts apart from stepping up frisking exercise of passenger ferrying vehicles. However, no rescue exercise of missing children, as of now, is on the card of the police department.
Talking to media persons at his office chamber here on Thursday, State Director General of Police (DGP) Yumnam Joykumar said that even if reports of missing children cases have flooded the news headlines since the last few days, the family members are yet to formally register compliants with the police stations concerned. However, he said that a red alert has been sounded to all police stations of the State to be on vigil in checking the movements of children.
Joykumar said that as there have been no formal complaints about the missing children to the police stations concerned, the police are not in a position to undertake rescue operations of the missing children. He ruled that since the children have been under the custody of the militants, as per media reports, any operation to secure the release of the children may involve the children as it will amount to ‘counter-insurgency’ operation.
The police chief has also said that the kidnapping of children for recruit- ment to the ranks of their outfits have indicated that the militants are desparate. He said that such kind of child recruits mi-ght have happened in the past even if family members of the children have begun to react against the steps of late.
Till date, it may be mentioned, that the number of children missing in the state within a span of two months has crossed the 20 mark and the count is likely to go up. According to reports, the militants say that the children, who are reported ‘kidnapped,’ joined the outfit on their own volition and consent while families said that the children were kidnapped for recruitment as child soldiers.
Following this trend, there have been protests witnessed scattered in pockets of Imphal and its vicinity in the last few days. Out of fear, many parents have been concealing the cases of their wards missing but gradually one after another the parents of missing children are openning up their mouths and start taking the cases in the streets of Imphal.
Ibobi moves to rein in ‘missing’ menace OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph


Imphal, July 17: Rattled by reports of missing children in the past few weeks, the Manipur government today made it mandatory for all children between 10 and 16 years to be accompanied by parents or relatives every time they step out of the house. Director general of police Yumnam Joykumar Singh, while announcing the rules, said any child travelling without his/her parents or guardians would be detained.
Likewise, any adult found accompanying a child who was not a relative could be detained for questioning, he said.
Over the past few weeks, at least 17 children have been reported missing from the Imphal valley. Twelve children have disappeared from their neighbourhoods since May 1.
While four have come back — two were returned by a militant group saying they were underage — the rest are still missing. The police said some of these children have been lured away by the groups to join the armed movement.
“There are reports that underground (militant) outfits are forcibly recruiting young boys of 10 to 14 years of age against (the) wishes of the boys and their parents. Such forcible recruitment have been reported from areas like Andro in Imphal East and Sekmaijin in Imphal West,” said a directive issued by Joykumar Singh to all district superintendents of police yesterday.
He said these boys were likely to be transported to militant hideouts at Keibul Lamajao and other sanctuaries near Loktak lake or taken to camps in Myanmar through border towns of Moreh. “In view of the above, please ensure that all frisking/check points are on the lookout for these young boys, who will apparently not be accompanied by their relatives. Such boys will not be able to give a justifiable reason for proceeding to the destination they indicate,” the directive stated.
The police have also asked school authorities, particularly in the valley, not to allow students to leave the premises before school gets over. Those in charge of school vans have also been asked to hand over children only to parents.
Militants force truckers to offload goods for not paying "goods tax" on NH-39
The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Jul 17: At least four trucks carrying iron bars were reportedly off-loaded forcibly by activists of an underground group collecting regular "goods tax" at Mao, while around 10 other goods trucks were stranded at Lairou area in Senapati district along the Imphal-Dimapur section of the NH-39.

In the meantime, after the security forces crackdown on activists of the NSCN(IM), NSCN(K) and NSCN(Unification) living in the general area of Dimapur, activists of the Kuki and Meetei based underground outfits have started pressing for and collecting "annual taxes" from the truckers from Manipur, according to a highly reliable report from the business hub of Dimapur.

Reports said that the goods on the four trucks were forcibly off-loaded as the truckers could not produce challans proving payment of "goods tax" to underground activists who conduct regular checking along the route. Around 10 other trucks who could not produce the same have also been stranded between Mao and Lairou on the highway since the last around two days.

According to a driver of a truck plying on the route, the truckers had proceeded from Dimapur without the goods challans as they could not get the same, since a day after the flushing out of activists of the outfits from the area in the last few days after the spate of clashes among rivals. The driver did not want to reveal his name.

Truckers used to buy the challans at different rates from the contact points of the outfits in Dimapur depending on the kind of goods they were loading from godowns in Dimapur. Other trucks coming from other places and passing through Dimapur also bought the same as they were not allowed to proceed to Imphal without the challans.

A businessman in Dimapur when contacted said that as usual they gave the amount for getting the challans to the truckers who searched for the contact points.

However, the contact points in Dimapur for buying the challans had shifted to unknown places, and there was difficulty in getting the same over the last few days. As a result most of the trucks plying along the route were stranded at Dimapur, the businessman disclosed.

The said "goods tax" to the outfits are above the "annual taxes" paid to them.

In the meantime, activists of the other Kuki and Meetei based underground groups as well as a newly emerged Naga based underground group have started collecting "annual tax" payable to them as they have started thronging the town in the last few days, according to the truckers.

The Manipur government has official reports of illegal taxes being collected by various underground outfits including those maintaining ceasefire with the government of India, along the Imphal-Dimapur section of the highway. But so far no apparent action to check the same has been taken up.

Currently, as a part of security protection, the state authorities opened IRB posts at as many as five points along the stretch from Sekmai to Kanglatombi. But the deployment has added to the woes of the truckers as these men also collect money from the truckers for every trip.