India’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks refutes NSCN-(IM)’s statement on taxation

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 21 (EMN): The GoI representative and interlocutor for Naga peace talks, Gurmeet Singh on Monday refuted the NSCN-(IM)’s recent statement that it has the “legitimate right” to collect tax from the people and is recognised by the representatives of the GoI who are engaged in political dialogue.

“Such an erroneous statement is likely to cause confusion among the people. Taxation is a sovereign function which can be exercised only either by the Government of India or the State government,” read the press release from Singh.

It said the government of India does not recognise any such right by any other entity.

“Forcible collection of money by any entity is extortion which is a criminal offence punishable under the laws, In fact all the Naga armed organisations engaged in the peace process have given a commitment against such collection,” it stated.