‘Enough is Enough’: DVC holds rally against unabated taxation, other issues

August 25, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | August 25

Hundreds of citizens turned up in droves for the public rally called by the Diphupar Village Council (DVC) “Against Unabated Taxation, Extortion, Kidnapping and Threatening citizens and its leaders.” The march began at Airport Junction and culminated at the North-East Agri Expo gate in Chümoukedima, where several speakers delivered impassioned speeches, all concurring that “enough is enough.”

This rally came after one Kahovi Chishi, reportedly a captain of Wangtin-led NSCN (R) was arrested by Dimapur police for allegedly threatening a village resident.

Speaking on the occasion, DVC Chairman, Ghuzui Shohe remarked that Nagaland is a land of taxation with more 25-26 Naga political groups (NPGs). The recurrent harassment and intimidation on citizens, the business community and contractors cannot be tolerated anymore, he said.

The Chairman mentioned that there were several instances in the past as well where business owners were allegedly kidnapped by the NPGs. This rally is being held “to show our resentment and say enough is enough,” he added, further announcing that the DVC has made the decision to expel Kahovi from the village.

Former President of Naga Hoho, HK Zhimo said that in the past, Naga Political movement was a movement for political self determination. Yet today, the unlawful taxation imposed by the different NPGs is tarnishing the very cause they claim to uphold, he added.

“One should question yourself for what cause you are standing,” Zhimo further opined, adding that joining an NPG should not only be a means of gaining employment.

In his solidarity message, Chairman of Sovima Village Council Sebastian Zumvu called upon the Central Government to enforce the ceasefire ground rules in letter and spirit. It is the Government of India, not the Naga public who have signed ceasefire agreements with the NPGs, he recalled.

“Why are they there? They are there to be implemented in letter and spirit,” he said, further questioning why they (NPGs) moving around in public areas carrying arms and ammunition.

“Remember what happened during 2003 in Mokokchung where the public chased away one of the NSCN group, we do not need arms and ammunition to do that,” he cautioned.

Tia Longchar, President Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) stated while ceasefire has been signed only with five groups, “why are there more than 25 factions?” The root cause of factionalism is due to taxation, he declared, and for which the public have been the ones suffering its consequences.

Speeches were also delivered by leaders of Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation, Diphupar Naga Women Organisation, Diphupar Naga Students Union, Angami Public Organisation, Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation, among others.

Joint resolution
It was also announced during the rally that a joint resolution addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima was submitted by the DVC along with its affiliated bodies.

It stated that “the DVC strongly condemns the persistence of criminal activities in Diphupar which has led to significant harm to individuals, families, and businesses, creating an environment of fear and insecurity.”

It further maintained while Kahovi was apprehended for threatening president of Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) and civilians with firearms, he was also involved in several instances disrupting peaceful existence of general public. As such, it resolved to demand that the culprit be booked under relevant sections of the National Security Act 1980.

The resolution also opposed granting of bail in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and protect public safety. “Any group or individual indulged in granting bail to the culprit, they will be held responsible for any untoward consequences,” it stated.

In addition, it reaffirmed the adoption of a “One Government, One Tax” and also called for strictly enforcing the Ceasefire Ground Rules in letter and spirit and that Chishi will be immediately expelled from Diphupar village.