EMN
Dimapur, July 29
The Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation has reacted to a statement from the NSCN (IM) which alleged that the committee is acting at the behest of “outside powers” with a “hidden agenda”.
It issued a statement against the NSCN (IM) allegations, reiterating that its efforts are directed towards arresting unabated “illegal taxation” which has crippled the economy of the state. The NSCN (IM) had earlier alleged that the steps taken by ACAUT on the matter are out of their jurisdiction and challenged the authority of the committee to address a “law and order” subject.
Full Text of ACAUT statement – from the office of the Naga Council, Dimapur
“It’s unfortunate that the word treachery has been used to describe the actions of ACAUT which is no more than belittling the voice of the people. Also, ACAUT has been derided as having a “hidden agenda” to “jeopardize the ongoing political dialogue”. ACAUT has also been described as “fools dancing to the tune of (outside) powers.”
ACAUT wants to clarify that its actions thus far is nothing short of patriotism. Through its agitation against unabated taxation, ACAUT is engaged in nation-building and is as much a patriot as any Naga UG groups. As much as members of ACAUT believe in political sovereignty we also believe in the economic sovereignty of Naga people.
Whereas political sovereignty talks about Naga people’s right to self-determination, economic sovereignty in Naga context would mean the very survival of Naga race. As much as we pray for an early solution to Indo-Naga political issue, all the sacrifices of the past 60 years will mean nothing if our people fail to survive into the next generation. A small example on the truism of economic independence should make us squirm over our patriotic seats.
Hundreds if not thousands of educated Naga girls are engaged in flesh trade in Dimapur and in neighbouring Lahorijan. They’re abused and passed around like commodities by truckers, police, hotel owners, businessmen and moneyed people who come from all over Northeast.
As much as our Naga pride is hurt we cannot deny that our girls are into it because of economic reasons. With AIDs, these girls will soon become a financial burden on our society. As things stand, Nagaland is on its way to soon become the “Bangkok of the East” where practically the whole rural Thai population depends on their women’s remunerations from Bangkok and other cities.
Can any sane person allow this value-system to flourish? Our state needs factories, establishment of services and hospitality industry and setting up of private enterprises to generate jobs and employment for our girls and boys. For far too long government salary has been a drag on our economy.
As long as Nagas depend on government jobs, there’ll be no money for developmental activities. No development means no investments and no investment means no jobs. No jobs means prostitution, drugs, theft, extortion, kidnappings and joining UG groups for “job opportunities.”
It’s a vicious cycle. ACAUT is under no illusion that it can bring revolutionary changes but we believe it’s time to change prevailing status quo. This means no random multiple taxations which is destroying not only Naga businesses but Dimapur itself. This is not some preposterous theory but an outcome which we have to bear if some misplaced sense of patriotism roughshod over saner voices.
ACAUT is not an arm of the Home Ministry of GOI nor is it a poodle of IB as is being subtly hinted at to discredit us. ACAUT is a conglomeration of Naga civil society and business organisations formed to give voice to unrepresented opinions.
We’re not some fools acting at the behest of any vested organisations but we represent the collective conscience of the people. Therefore, it is far-fetched to say that ACAUT has been formed to jeopardize political talks between India and Nagas.
The NSCN (IM) is an organisation which has been recognised internationally and acknowledged by the GOI and Naga people will respect it even more if it discards the language associated with rag-tag organizations.”
