EMN
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 9
IN keeping with its mandate to tackle “illegal taxation”, the Action Committee against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) has called for individuals and organizations to attend a public meeting at Saturday Weekly Market, Chumukedima at 9 am on February 13. The ACAUT, in a press release today, stated that its movement is gathering momentum as is evident in the decisions taken by various organizations, including Dimapur Urban Colony Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCCF) & GBs Union Dimapur, covering 87 colonies or roughly 2 lakh population or 10% of the population in Nagaland, Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association (CCCTA) and Chamber of Commerce, Mon not to pay tax to any NPGs as per the October 31 Public Resolution. It may also be mentioned that Purana Bazar Village Council, Padumpukhuri VC, Darogapathar VC and Naharbari VC had taken the same decision on November 23, 2013 much to the gratitude of concerned citizens all over the State.
The stand of CCCTA to involve members of the civil society, tribal hohos, youth organisations, students, women organisations and the general public is indeed a step in the right direction, the ACAUT said.
It also criticised the forceful sale of calendars by the NSCN (IM) while stating that such petty issues sullied its name. The ACAUT added that the NSCN (IM) is known all over the world as an organisation engaging in talks with the Indian government on the issue of political identity for Nagas but irrelevant sideshows such as calendar sale costing a mere Rs 100 is damaging its name beyond repair.
According to “Rules & Guidelines for Protection of the General Public Against Illegal Tax, 2013”, point No. 15, formulated by the NSCN (IM), reads “Ban on collection of tax in the form of donations by the civil societies and national workers.”
The ACAUT added that it is clear that the NSCN (IM) does not intent to abide by the rules approved by the Collective Leadership itself. In contrast, the ACAUT is duty bound to abide by the 31st October Public Resolution to raise the issue of taxation irrespective of the factions or the amount involved.
