AYO, TYO and JYO officials, along with excise department officials during the handing over of consignment at AYO office in Kohima on June 4.
Alleges nexus between smugglers and law enforcement
Kohima, June 4 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has alleged a nexus between certain law enforcement personnel and smugglers after its volunteers intercepted a truck carrying a large consignment of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) near Kohima last week.
According to the organisation, the incident occurred around midnight on May 29 near Mt Tabor along the Jotsoma bypass road when AYO volunteers came across a truck bearing registration number AS01EC-4296 being unloaded and searched by fully masked personnel believed to be from a paramilitary force.
The volunteers intervened and found that the vehicle was carrying a full load of IMFL, the organisation said. Upon being questioned, the armed personnel allegedly fled the scene, prompting the volunteers to report the matter to the AYO leadership.
Taking cognisance of the report, AYO officials seized the liquor consignment and kept it under the organisation's custody pending inquiry.
The youth body said a subsequent investigation conducted by the organisation revealed what it described as a nexus between certain officers and personnel of law enforcement agencies and those involved in the illegal transportation of liquor.
Describing the findings as “alarming and deeply concerning”, the AYO alleged that collusion between smugglers and some enforcement personnel enabled large quantities of contraband to pass through multiple checkpoints and frisking points along National Highways and other routes leading to Kohima.
The organisation also questioned the implementation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, stating that instead of curbing illegal trade, the prevailing situation appeared to be benefiting a network of smugglers and allegedly complicit officials while depriving the state of revenue.
Condemning any alleged collusion, the AYO said it would continue to take action against activities detrimental to public welfare and would not remain a “mute spectator” to such practices.
The organisation said it subsequently handed over the seized consignment to the Excise and Prohibition Department, Kohima, in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner (Zonal), Excise and Prohibition Department, as well as representatives of the Jotsoma Youth Organisation (JYO) and Tsütuonuomia Youth Organisation (TYO).
AYO also expressed gratitude to the two youth organisations for their support and cooperation during the operation.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating illegal activities within its jurisdiction, the organisation warned that future cases involving trafficking, sale, possession or transportation of illicit substances would invite appropriate action.
The AYO further cautioned that any threat, intimidation, harassment or retaliatory action against its volunteers or law-abiding citizens who report illegal activities would be viewed seriously, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.
