Imchen said extortion was illegal and a severe criminal offence. "Naga militants have been increasingly resorting to extortion, which is also a violation of ceasefire ground rules," he said and called for a concerted effort to curb the menace.
During the meeting with the business community, he inquired into which groups or factions were indulging in extortion and asked the Chamber of Commerce to provide "proof and evidence" by submitting the "demand notes" served to the business community. He also enquired whether police personnel were also collecting taxes at the check gates.