‘No more under threat & intimidation’

Hundreds converge at AYO public rally to protest against unabated illegal taxation

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 7

Braving heavy downpour, hundreds of people converged at the state’s capital Kohima to participate in a public rally against ongoing illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation, and death threats faced by common citizens.

Organized by the Angami Youth Organization, the public rally was to protest the death threat issued to a local contractor by the NSCN (Khango) group, who failed to meet their demands. The rally was held at Old MLA Hostel junction, Phoolbari, Kohima.
Various speakers during the rally expressed their resentment against unabated illegal taxation, exhortations, threats and intimidations meted to the citizens. 

“We, as a people have been tolerant enough all these years. We cannot continue to live under threat and intimidation in our homeland. What have the Naga national workers become today? We have the most ungrateful, un-trusted Naga national workers today,” were the words voiced out by various speakers. 

They also strongly voiced out against supporting any NNPGs when they have deviated from the principle of nationalism, especially when the barrels are turned against their own people over taxations. “Nagas have created our Frankenstein monster,” one speaker lamented.

“Today, we have come together to speak for each other, to stand for our inherent rights that has been preserved by our forefathers. This is a war of the youth against illegal unabated taxations, and before the storm comes, it is best to amend and rectify, otherwise the supreme will of the people will prevail,” another speaker underscored. 

There were also questions on the sincerity of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFMG/CFSB) Chairman, while accusing him of fiddling with Nagaland when it is burning because of unabated taxations.

Strongly condemning the ongoing taxations and extortions placed on hardworking common people, AYO President, Kesosul Christopher Ltu, in his opening remarks, maintained that any financial contributions made by the public to the NNPGs were intended for the Naga nation, not for them to wield their weapons to threaten and intimidate the common people.

Citing the proliferation of multiple factions as one of the ‘biggest’ business in Naga society today, Ltu called for an end to the formation of any new factions adding ‘enough of new factions. We only want one faction and not multiple factions.’

He also strongly asserted against the usage of Nagaland for Christ and Naga nationalism and refrain from politicising the Naga issue for political mileage. “If you don’t have anything positive to contribute, keep silent, we don’t want your comment. We, the public will handle,” stated Ltu.

To the Ceasefire Monitoring Group/Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFMG/CFSB), he pointed out that there are no free-will donations or contributions, but in reality are ‘forceful contributions.’

Ltu reminded that ‘our’ forefathers have not fought and sacrifice for the current state of affairs, but the aspirations and dreams of the Nagas for ‘One Nation, One People’ gave birth to Naga nationalism, and not for taxations and extortions.

Acknowledging the support and participation of all the people, irrespective of tribes, Ltu emphasised unity as the biggest strength of the Naga people today, and assured of AYO’s commitment to support and cooperate for any initiatives, follow-ups and actions under any circumstances.

Memo to Gov: Demands strict enforcement of CF ground rules 
Following the programme, AYO in a memorandum submitted to the Governor, La Ganesan highlighted the NSCN (Khango)’s “blatant disregard for the ceasefire ground rules and the capital punishment threat issued to a local contractor of Nagaland on account of forced taxation.”

The AYO has demanded immediate action from both the central and state governments with key demands including strict enforcement of ceasefire ground rules, protection of citizens, ensure that armed groups cease and immediately desist their activities of intimidation and extortion in the name/guise of ‘donations,’ and prohibition of armed cadres from moving freely in civilian areas.

It demanded that the Government of India should stop legitimising splinter groups by recognizing them if it wants an early settlement of the Indo-Naga problem.

AYO also demanded that the Ceasefire Monitoring Group immediately take befitting action against GPRN/NSCN (Khango) if it fails to take corrective measures by withdrawal of the capital punishment issued to the contractor and withdrawal of the directive issued to all contractors under the purview of AYO to cease activities and demobilise their manpower and machinery currently deployed across other districts in Nagaland.

In the event any recalcitrant group continue to violate the ceasefire ground rules, AYO demanded that the Ceasefire Monitoring Group should abrogate the ceasefire with such group, and the concerned members should be strictly booked under the National Security Act of 1980.

While putting its trust in the government to protect the well being of its citizens and take all necessary actions, AYO also cautioned that as a civil organisation, it will not hesitate to protect its people at any cost.

President of Chakhesang Youth Front, Kevesa Khamo; President, Lotha Youth Hoho, Limhathung N. Yanthan; Acting President, Pochury Youth Organisation, Muphatho Nyuthe; President, Rengma Selo Zi, Kegwayhun Tep; President, Sumi Youth Organisation, Hikavi H. Kinimi; President, Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland, R. John Zeliang and President, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, Tia Longchar spoke during the rally.

Solidarity messages were shared by Chumben Khuvung, Naga Students’ Federation, General Secretary; Sepikyu Sangtam, Vice President, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation; Major Vikuto Assumi (Retd), Executive Council Member, Business Association of Nagas and Dr Khekugha Muru, President, Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry.