NIA in Nagaland to Probe Alleged Nexus Between Govt Officials and Militants

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team is in Nagaland recently to crack an alleged nexus between government officials and militants and diversion of development funds to outfits.

A source said the NIA officials questioned state government officials and added that some heads may roll soon.
Millions of rupees have reportedly been diverted to the coffers of militant outfits despite the Centre’s efforts to stop it.
Militancy and corruption are believed to be one of the main reasons behind the backwardness of the state. Though the Centre has banned the illegal collection of tax by the militants, there are at least nine outfits operating in the state that are extorting taxes from the people.

The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) said it was the legitimate right of the group to collect tax from the people as they represented the voice of the Naga people.
The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), a citizens’ group, has come out strongly against taxation by militant groups and organised rallies throughout the state.

Sources added the NIA was concerned about the NSCN (Khaplang), which continues to collect lakhs of rupees even after abrogating the ceasefire last year. A source also said NIA had questioned state government officials over militants employed in government departments.

The team has now left the state as offices remained closed for Durga Puja.