\nLeading the onslaught, the business community representatives of the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce(DCC) and the Dimapur District Business Community(DDBC) demanded deployment of additional police forces in Dimapur.The business community felt apprehensive due to the \u2018insufficient\u2019 number of forces.
\n The home minister, in response, stated that though sufficient number of security forces has been deployed, the police could hardly do much to tackle rampant extortion, kidnapping and abduction unless complaints were brought to the notice of the police.
\n Dimapur Chamber of Commerce (DCC) president Kasheto Yepthomi said that many had to close down their businesses or move out to other states due to disturbed situation prevailing in Dimapur.
\nPresident of Nagaland Medicine Dealers\u2019 Association (NMDA), Ato Yepthomi pointed out that the security forces were focused mainly on the factional clashes and less on the security of the public.
\nIn this regard, he suggested that there should be a force to combat crimes and another to tackle factional violence. He also demanded more deployment of security forces in residential colonies and not only in commercial areas, since most of the businessmen were abducted from their houses.
\nMaking a reference to the abduction and murder of businessman Prasanjit Dhar, Police admitted there was no breakthrough though vigorous investigation was on. It may be mentioned that the district administration had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the SDPO Dimapur to probe the case.
\nReferring to the abduction case, home minister Imkong Imchen termed abductions and murders as the highest condemnable crime. \u201cIn a way, you have to blame yourself also\u201d for not reporting such instances to the police, he told the business community.
\nOn the five-point charter of demands put forward by the business community, the minister clarified that he was yet to receive it. On repeated demands for more forces, Imkong said it was not practicable to provide police protection to each and every household, as more police forces alone were not the answer to anti-social elements. He said even if the Assam Rifles was asked to assist the civil authorities, kidnapping could still take place unless these were brought to the notice of the police.
\nMr. Imchen accused the State media of practicing \u201cyellow journalism\u201d and went on record in stating that reports carried in the State media could not be trusted.
\n\u201cMedia, we cannot believe in whole totality, that we all know\u2026Because some of the media people are rather interested in yellow journalism than bring things to the facts to the light of the public,\u201d Imchen said.
\n\u201cYou are also a part of the government as much as the legislators and other leaders. Let us be more responsible towards our people and not be partisan or practice yellow journalism\u201d, he told journalists.
\n SP Dimapur, Liremo Lotha said the administration and the police enjoyed a good rapport and coordination but expressed dissatisfaction over the non cooperative attitude of the public. He assured that those involved in the abduction and murder of Prasanjit Dhar would be brought to book but urged the business community to have confidence in the police.
\nMeanwhile, the business community reiterated its decision to call for an indefinite strike, if any of their member was abducted and if the prevailing security scenario in Dimapur was not improved within a month. The meeting was chaired by ADC Dimapur, Sedevikho.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"