Nagaland: AYO-led public rally against illegal taxation and death threat today

KOHIMA — The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) is holding a public rally in Kohima on Tuesday, to protest the “unabated illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation and death threats to common people”.

The rally was called after the NSCN/GPRN (Khango) group issued a death threat to K Rülho, a contractor and proprietor of M/s KKB Rülho, which sparked outrage from various quarters and prompted the AYO to declare non-cooperation against the group.

Scheduled to be held at Old MLA Hostel Junction, the public rally is expected to draw good participation from various tribal organisations, student bodies, and concerned citizens. It will commence with opening remarks by AYO President, Kesosul Christopher Ltu, before a series of prominent youth leaders from across Nagaland, including representatives from Chakhesang, Lotha, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Zeliangrong and Ao communities address the gathering.

Solidarity messages will also be shared by Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation, Business Association of Nagas, and the Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The AYO’s call for mass participation has received good response with several civil bodies, including Southern Angami Youth Organisation, Kohima Village Youth Organisation, Chakhroma Youth Organisation, the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) and other organisations having urged their members to participate.

The participants have been requested to wear traditional attire of their respective communities during the rally.

DCCI pledges support

Meanwhile, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has announced its support for the public rally called by the AYO.

In a statement released on Monday, the DCCI reiterated its longstanding opposition to all forms of illegal taxation, intimidation and harassment by various groups and organisations to the citizens, especially the business community.

“The DCCI once again appeal to the different groups and organisations to heed to the cries of the public and desists from any form of illegal taxation and acts that will disturb the peace and harmony in the society,” read the statement.

Also read: AYO to hold public rally against ‘illegal taxation, death threats’