Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out.
Karl Augustus Menninger
Of late, there has been a war of words between Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) and the NSCN(IM) pertaining mainly to the burden of the general public having to pay excessive taxes for practically every consumer item on the market from the humble potato to building construction materials. Side taxes are also imposed on tobacco products and its affiliated essentials such as paan patta (betel leaf)—the list is too long to recount here but has already been publicized in the local media. (Let us only be thankful that chillies are not yet taxed )!
The reasons for the not only excessive but exorbitant and unfair taxes have come to such a pass because for many years the general public did not bother to raise their voices in protest. In addition, from an original single Naga National entity such as Naga National Council (NNC) it kept splitting like an amoeba till we now have eight groups which some of the braver ones tend to call factions. Who knows the amoeba may yet split again and several more groups will crawl out again?
In this context, the ACAUT entering the arena on behalf of the people as a whole is nothing short of commendable. However, it is regrettable that not only the various Naga National groups but elements of the State Govt. such as some wayward policemen on duty at the various check posts and the allegations against the Nagaland Transport Department have also become public. Nagas, none of whom pay tax to the State Govt. as per their income, are, by and large, not against paying taxes to the factions provided these are on a balanced and reasonable basis but greed for filthy lucre has entered the heart of our professed Christian hearts. One Faction leader even declared that our Ministers and MLAs are prone to corruption so why not take a share of the loaves and fishes? How long can such an unbearable state of affairs continue?ACAUT also countered and denied the allegation by the NSCN(IM) that its action is at the “behest of outside powers.” This would be a difficult task considering ACAUT is comprised of a litany of civil society bodies such as the Naga Council, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce, Dimapur Business Associates, Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce Trade Union, Dimapur Naga Students Union, Youth Association of Nagaland, GB’s Union Sadar Dimapur, Dimapur Urban Council Chamber Federation, Dimapur District Consumer Society, and Senior Citizen Forum.
For too long our Naga National Worker brethren have been used to getting their way whether by persuasion, threat or whatever other means. Not surprisingly when a body comprising civil society organisations took up the cudgels it has reacted strongly, not necessarily enhancing its image as an entity fighting for Naga sovereignty. It is also to be noted that the other groups seem to be rather mute in this imbroglio.
The volley of words between the ACAUT and the NSCN (IM) also reveals a tragic lacunae in public space for debates on issues which affect the future of the Naga race. On a closer examination of the causes shaping this “public space” or rather the lack of it ”fear psychosis” is the pre dominant factor that has nailed the voices of people inside a box. The one platform that people look to are the newspapers to express their grievances. Perhaps this explains the nature of letters that are sent to the papers. One reader jokingly mentioned that the newspapers should run an additional column titled “Views and Abuses” instead of “Views and Reviews”.
Interestingly the subject of “illegal taxation” which has been a bane for the society for decades has never been taken head on by a single civil society group, so far. They have shied away from expressing opinions in public but the getting together of these same bodies today, in this case ACAUT has brought the issue to the surface. While this may be viewed positively it also reflects perhaps with equal seriousness the depth of understanding of the role of a government and the erosion of confidence in its committed roles.
Simultaneously, the leadership of ACAUT may be viewed as the rights of a people in a democratic society. But the flip side is also true. Freedom also should not be taken for granted because with commitment comes responsibility. The latter may not seem viable to all sections concerned but in the ultimate picture the onus is on the government. At best civil society movements can aid the administration and the process of governance.The work done by ACAUT in any other state would be seen as one that should have been done by the government. What has been tabled in the ACAUT report of the deep rot affecting the economy of the state is one that should have been of those with the wherewithal, not of a civil society.
Perhaps the most unfortunate aspect is that the Naga public, in general, has tended to remain mute spectators all this while. Yet all is not lost for the encouraging sign is that more and more people are beginning to voice their opinions on this matter through the media. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio once said that the voice of the people is “supreme”. So, if the people, collectively and even individually raise their voice, changes will definitely come for the better.
Above all, it is for our leaders at all levels of society, men and women of good will to engage forthwith in advising, guiding and leading our people in the right direction.
