3 Naga officials in NIA net for funding terror

GUWAHATI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three Nagaland Government officials for alleged involvement in large-scale extortion and illegal tax collection on behalf of the banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) from various government agencies in the state.

Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, April 27

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three Nagaland Government officials for alleged involvement in large-scale extortion and illegal tax collection on behalf of the banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) from various government agencies in the state.

The funds were being siphoned off to armed militant groups in connivance with a section of government officials in the hill state.

The NIA today said the three government officials were Tulula Pongen, joint director, Nagaland’s Social Welfare Department; Alienba Pangjung Jamir, joint director, Nagaland’s Land Resources Department; and K Lashito Sheqi, cashier, Department of Land Resources.

They money was being extorted on behalf of NSCN (K) from various government organisations and others by NSCN (K) cadres in Dimapur and Kohima areas under direction of self-styled brigadier Isac Sumi (A-3) of NSCN (K) and other senior leaders.

The accused allegedly provided substantial amount to the NSCN (K) by way of contributing government funds to the banned outfit by misusing their official capacity and position, thereby supporting the NSCN (K) in furtherance of its unlawful activities, the NIA said.

They were also allegedly involved in paying huge sums of money to various other underground rebel groups of Nagaland factions such as NSCN (Reconciliation), Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Naga National Council (NNC) and others.

This was revealed during the scrutiny of the documents, including demand letters and payment receipts, seized during the search operation carried out by the NIA in 13 government offices on January 18.