State govt. and its agencies are biggest extortionists — NPCC

Dimapur, Sep. 15 (EMN): Responding to the one-day business shutdown in Dimapur on September 16 called by Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in protest against rampant multiple and illegal taxation by Naga political groups (NPGs) and government agencies, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has termed it as a grim reminder of how the elected government failed the people and the state.

NPCC alleged that the state government run by regional parties like NPF and NDPP together with BJP have only managed to create a situation where they have allowed illegal taxations to flourish, while condemning law abiding citizens to live under constant threat posed by nefarious elements who were allowed to hijack the writ of the state.

Stating that the state government cannot absolve itself from the mess by shifting focus on unresolved Naga political issue, NPCC claimed that the state government and its agencies have become the biggest extortionists thereby setting trend for nefarious elements taking shelter in various NPG to increase their activities.

“Extortion is now the only full-fledged industry in Nagaland and is no longer cottage industry as perceived in earlier times. This is the only achievement of regional parties, NPF and now NDPP running the government with BJP since 2003,” NPCC stated.

NPCC also felt that the silence of the public has only aggravated the skyrocketing prices on every market item that has put the cost of living to unmanageable level for many families. It added that the choice before the silent majority in Nagaland is to ‘perish like fools’ by continually remaining silent or finding courage beyond narrow clan and tribe interest to resist mis-governance and nefarious elements and restore order in the society.

Meanwhile, NPCC has extended solidarity to the call for business shutdown in Dimapur on September 16 by DCCI and the state-wide shutdown called by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI). It further urged upon every right thinking citizen irrespective of political affiliations to come forward and hold the elected government accountable for abdicating their duty and responsibility towards the people.

Holds condolence prayer meeting

Nagaland Congress held a condolence prayer meeting on Wednesday at Dimapur DCC office to pay last respects to former union minister and veteran Congress leader, Oscar Fernandes, who passed away on September 13 in Mangalore.

In a brief function attended by NPCC and Dimapur DCC officials, NPCC president, K Therie, recalled the life and times of Oscar Fernandes and his immense contribution to the Congress party as well as to the cause of Nagas, particularly when he headed Group of Ministers on Naga political issue. A NPCC statement stated that Oscar also widely travelled across Nagaland for party works and perfectly understood the aspirations and sentiments of the people.

Other officials who paid tributes included NPCC vice president W Akum, president Dimapur DCC Tsenthungo Nyamo, and chairman of NPCC minority department Rajesh Sethi.