[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he citizens of Nagaland have become more or less used to taxations being imposed by one or the other of the Naga National groups. The reasons, almost as numerous as the grains of sand, at leas in this space.Eastern Mirror carried a report of State Bank of India (SBI), Chumukedima branch, having closed down since August 14 due to a taxation bid by a certain Naga political group.
It is discouraging to see a sign that cries out ‘welcome’ in front of a bank, any bank for that matter, only to find that the gates are locked.
According to reports, the group had demanded a one time 20 per cent cut from the salaries of the staff but SBI officials (perhaps cautiously) have said that the closure was due to technical problems. Unconfirmed sources, however, have claimed that threats were indicated. Whether or not true, such demands for taxes always imply mandatory implementation.
The matter had been intimated to officials of the Local Head Office, Guwahati regarding intimidation from the Naga national group and so the Chumukedima branch was directed to be closed. Meanwhile, officials of the Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) have met officials of the SBI Regional Office assuring to safeguard and provide security against activities of anti-social elements and appealed for resumption of business as usual. The CCCI’s concern for the public of Chumukedima was appreciated by the SBI officials.
The bank officials have assured to make the bank functional after convincing the Local Head Office for the convenience of its customers. They also conveyed that having good relations with the people in general, they should be spared the from such donation drives since they are working purely for serving the people.
Meanwhile, alternative measures for all financial transactions have been arranged at Purana Bazaar branch on a temporary basis. The closure has largely affected old age pensioners, government employees and parents pursuing higher studies outside the State.
Normally, various government departments are approached for taxes or donations/contributions or whatever you call it but the underlying message is the same. In fact some departments usually deduct a certain percentage from the employees’ salaries and give to the group(s) concerned in bulk. Apparently no one has been able to, or even tried to raise his/her voice against such occupational hazards. All said and done, Nagas who are reputed to be brave seem not be courageous perhaps out of fear/wariness of the gun culture—an unspoken but undeniable threat.
Why can’t people realize that in killing in these circumstances simply does’nt end there. Its effects multiply and can spiral out of control. There are repercussions like for instance, the victim’s near and dear ones will some day or the other try to exact vengeance in some way or the other—come what may for Nagas tend to be vengeful themselves. And so the gun-toters themselves need to be wary of alienating the public in general.
For a noble cause like struggle for Naga sovereignty, most people would contribute their mite in whatever way they can but to be made to do so under threat is a sure way of defeating the real aims and objectives.
Targeting the source of money like the State Bank of India (SBI) of all institutions is display of an upside down humour. It does not augur well for the society at large and bound to discourage employees from outside the State to work in the state. This does not bode well as the state suffers from shortage of local qualified officials. The national group concerned may perhaps like to reconsider its tactics and go for a wider ranging strategy? What do we gain by trying to eliminate the goose that lays the golden eggs?
