Imphal, March 21: Reacting to the news report of Naga People's Organisation demanding Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) to refund the alleged extortion amount from an individual the armed outfit's publicity secretary Th Misao asserted that NPO has no right to intervene in the affairs of the KRA.

clarifying on the matter today, Misao said KRA had merely prevailed upon some contractors engaged in the Rs 2 crore construction of a higher secondary school at T Khullen to pay loyalty tax to the KRA.

Contending that preliminary talks regarding the tax had already been held before a deal was struck with the contractors to cough up initial payments within February 28, Misao reasoned that one of the contractors was taken into the KRA custody on March 6 as the contractors concerned did not honour the deadline.

after the contractor was picked up the remaining contractors showed up and another agreement was reached between the two parties to limit the loyalty tax to Rs 5 lakhs, he said and informed of the contractors paying Rs 3 lakhs as the initial payment with a further assurance that the balance amount would be paid within March 25.Stating that after the second deal the captive contractor was set free on that very day, the KRA secretary described as unfortunate NPO's insistence to refund the amount which was paid by the contractors under a mutual agreement.

Asserting that NPO has no right to interfere in matters which had already been agreed between the KRA and contractors concerned, Misao further warned the contractors to adhere to the deadline failing which the contractors would have to bear the consequences.

Prevailing upon the NPO against attempt to add communal colour on the issue, Misao said KRA respects and have high regard for the Naga NGO and desired similar gesture from the latter's side.

Under no circumstances should NPO interpret the abduction as committed towards the Naga community as KRA cadres had carried out the act against the contractor community that fail to honour certain understanding, Misao said.

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