Hundreds rally against unabated taxation, extortion, threats in Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — Hundreds of people joined the public rally organised by the Diphupar Village Council (DVC) ‘Against unabated taxation, extortion, kidnapping, and threatening citizens and its leaders’, on Saturday.

The rally kicked off from Airport junction, traversed Green Park junction and culminated at Agri Expo gate, Chümoukedima, where leaders of various Diphupar village frontal organisations and others addressed the gathering.

The DVC also adopted a resolution which was later submitted to the deputy commissioner of Chümoukedima via a memorandum.

The public rally was held in response to the recent incident where one Kahovi Chishi, who claimed to be a cadre of one of the Naga political groups, threatened the president of Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) and the civilians with firearms.

He was later arrested and is presently under police custody.

In his address, chairman of DVC, Ghuzui Shohe, lamented Nagaland becoming a land of taxation where 25-26 factions, who claim to be fighting for the Nagas’ cause, spare no one, from small shops to contractors. “And now they have started threatening with guns,” he said.

Shohe also announced that the accused has been expelled from Diphupar village due to his anti-social activities. He further warned that if any individual from the village is involved in anti-social activities that disrupt peaceful living, they will be expelled.

Kikheto Sumi, advisor of DNYO, said that the public was compelled to take to the streets to show their resentment against unabated illegal taxation and extortion by various Naga political groups (NPGs).

President of DNYO, T Molungba Ao, asked which faction is really fighting for Naga freedom. He reminded that true freedom fighters should not go around threatening the citizens with guns or indulge in anti-social activities.

While stressing the need for Nagas to be united, he however lamented Nagas becoming more disunited and creating more factions among themselves.

Condemning the threat and harassment to the village leaders and citizens, Khriezovonuo Zumvü, president of Diphupar Naga Women Organisation (DNWO), cautioned that the DNWO is ready to deal with such anti-social elements in the society.

President of Diphupar Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Lenisang Jamir, asserted that, “no individual in a civilised society should have to live in fear for their lives,” and that threats not only attack the victims but also the very principles of freedom, safety and respect.

‘Naga political organisation is not an employment industry’

Former president of Naga Hoho, HK Zhimomi reminded that the Naga political movement started because of the genuine desire of the Nagas to be independent and free from India.

He said that though there are 26 NPGs in the state, Naga people recognise only few groups that are really working for the Naga nation.

Maintaining that some “self-styled groups” with their own allotted ranks are damaging the Naga national movement, he appealed to such groups not to “unnecessarily disturb” those who are genuinely fighting for Naga political freedom.

“Naga political organisation is not an employment industry. Do not join the group just for the sake of employment,” he said.

He appealed to the Nagas not to think about joining any faction just to earn money because it should be a voluntary work to fight for the Naga cause.

Further, he urged all the citizens to stay united and cooperate with the village leaders so that they can tackle any problem together.

Chairman of Sovima village, Sebastian Zumvü, lamented the suffering experienced by the entire Naga population because of some anti-social elements.

Government of India (GoI) signed ceasefire agreement with the factions but not with the Naga public, and so though the GoI may be happy, the Naga public continues to suffer, he said.

Appealing to the GoI to enforce the ceasefire ground rules, Zumvü said the state will not face problems like threats and extortion only when the ground rules are implemented in letter and in spirit.

Solidarity speeches were also delivered by Tia Longchar, president of Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation; Wekupe Therie, president of Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation; Seyietuo Yashu, social secretary of Angami Youth Organisation and others.

DVC memorandum to DC Chümoukedima

– Resolved, that the culprit should be strictly booked under relevant the National Security Act 1980.

– Resolved, that we strongly oppose the 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.

– Resolved, that the undersigned, strongly oppose the carrying of firearms in public places within Diphupar village jurisdiction.

– Resolved, that we reaffirm our stand for the adoption of a ‘One government, one tax’ policy that would consolidate tax collection and administration under a single governmental authority, thereby simplifying the tax system and enhancing economic efficiency.

– Resolved, to strictly enforce the Ceasefire Ground Rules in letter and spirit.

– Resolved, that Kahovi Chishi will be immediately expelled from Diphupar village.