Imphal, March 27: Reacting to the statement of the Kuki Revolutionary Army that a sum of Rs 3 lakhs was taken as loyalty tax from a contractor engaged in constructing the Rs 2 crore school building at T Khullen which is a unit village of the NPO, the latter has asked the militant group to clearly define what it meant by loyalty tax imposed on the Nagas.

In a statement, NPO said that one contractor was kidnapped by KRA and released only after paying an amount of Rs 3 lakhs.

The KRA had called the amount loyalty tax, said NPO and demanded what they meant by loyalty tax from the Nagas to the KRA.

The NPO could not remain silent spectator when any developmental programme within its jurisdiction is hampered through kidnapping, detention, demands, embargoes etc.

Instead of resorting to these measures, peaceful methods should be pursued, said NPO.

Revolutionary groups functioning at their own capacities may deem it justified to carry on their agenda as long as they receive the support of the people of any place.

However when any group breaks this barrier by way of kidnapping or extortion, tranquillity is disturbed, said the statement.

Stating that the NPO is for peace and development, the statement said that there is the need to maintain good rapport between the different communities.

NPO reiterated that the Rs 3 lakhs should be returned.

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