33 extortion groups operating in Mizoram: Chief Secretary

Aizawl, Jun 18 (UNI) At least 33 groups of extortionists are currently active in Mizoram and the miscreants were now resorting to demand notes, instead of guns, for extorting ''donations'' from businessmen and contractors.

Mizoram Chief Secretary Haukhum Hauzel revealed this here recently while inaugurating the ''Zokhua'', a typical Mizo village set up by the Aizawl Ramhlun branch of the Young Mizo Association, near Seling.

''In Manipur, the militants extort money at gun point, while they (extortion groups) use demand notes in our state. However, I find no difference as in both the states the miscreants intend to exploit the people,'' Mr Hauzel said.

Quoting a local newspaper report, based on a statement made by a non-tribal contractor under the World Bank, Mr Hauzel said there were as many as 33 groups, claiming to be NGOs, involved in the activity.

He also informed that such organisations were run by a few people, who had well-equipped offices and backed by ''unknown sources of income.'' Voicing the need for serious efforts, the chief secretary felt that it was high time for the true NGOs and government to keep a check on their activities.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggested that some groups of youths, including students, occasionally demanded ''donations''.

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