Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland condemns illegal taxation along NH-129A

DIMAPUR — The Zeliangrong Youth Organisation, Nagaland (ZYON), the apex youth body of the Zeliangrong community in Peren district, has issued what it described as a “final and action-oriented” statement condemning the continued illegal taxation and extortion along the Dimapur–Peren–Maram (NH-129A) corridor.

Terming the practice a criminal exploitation of the public, ZYON stated that the extortion was being carried out by groups or individuals claiming to be “national workers”, and warned that such activities would no longer be tolerated. The organisation said that these unauthorised financial demands were affecting community members, businesses, institutions, individuals and interstate transporters alike, particularly those transporting goods to Manipur.

Despite earlier warnings, ZYON said that it had received reliable information of systematic extortion along the highway, leading to financial losses, delays, and disruption of vital supply lines.

The situation is also leading to inflated prices of essential goods and creating widespread fear and hardship among the local population, the organisation stated, warning that anyone caught engaging in such practices would face “severe consequences”.

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Announcing plans to deploy volunteer teams to monitor key points on NH-129A, gather evidence, and work with law enforcement to take legal action against offenders, it urged community members, businesses, and truck drivers to refuse all illegal demands and immediately report incidents to ZYON members on the ground.

It also urged all factions and political groups to refrain from such practices, warning that any individual or faction found to be involved in illegal taxation activities would be publicly exposed and handed over to law enforcement agencies.

The organisation further appealed to Naga political groups to issue public statements condemning illegal taxation and to take disciplinary action against any cadres involved.