The recent incidents of abduction for ransom, particularly in the last one month, have virtually crippled trade and commerce in Dimapur with most of the traders fearing to be slapped with extortion notices from various militant outfits every moment. To make matter worse, the rebel groups have now started kidnapping the traders' children.
On Saturday morning, suspected rebels abducted a Class IV student of Holotoli School while he was waiting for a bus. There's no news of the boy is still not known. On August 21, another boy was kidnapped while he was playing with his friends near the Midland area. The Class-3 student of Mother Many was, however, released after his parents paid ransom to the kidnappers.
On July 31, a Class IX student of SD Jain Higher Secondary School was abducted from the state stadium where he had gone along with his friends to play cricket. He was released on August 2, but only after his parents paid a heavy ransom to the abductors.
Incidentally, all these children represent the non-Naga community businessmen. The series of abductions, particularly those of the traders children, have has raised questions about the government's resolve to combat anti-social activities in Dimapur.
A prominent Naga businessman, who agreed to talk to TOI on the question of anonymity, expressed concern over the spate of abductions and the militants targeting little boys and girls. "The Nagas should condemn such incidents. It's sad that even children are no more safe in Dimapur," he said.
The trader urged the state law enforcing agencies and the Naga outfits to take measures against the miscreants. "The day is not far when the militants will even abduct children of Naga parents for ransom," he warned.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( observed that a strong security mechanism should be in place for the security of the businessmen and their children. DCCI president Hokivi Chishi said it's unfortunate that police have not yet arrested a single person in connection with the abductions. He also urged school authorities or the Private School Association to come out in the open, condemn the incidents and cooperate with the law enforcing agencies to help the latter nab the culprits.
When contacted, police said they have launched a manhunt to trace the boy who was kidnapped on Saturday. A top police official said it would be easier the for the securitymen to catch the culprits if such incidents were reported immediately.
Transporter shot at
A goods transporter had a miraculous escape when unidentified miscreants shot at him on Friday evening. According to sources, the transporter was in his office and talking over phone when someone fired at him from outside. The bullet missed him by a whisker.