EMN
DIMAPUR, JULY 12
The NSCN (IM) has been reminded that the “united consensus of apex NGOs” in Nagaland on the outfit’s much criticized July 4 statement, which had proclaimed the NSCN (IM)’s right to taxation, was a clear message to the Naga political groups “to come under one umbrella” and that to ignore this “echo would be the biggest blunder in the history of Naga political movement.”
This statement from Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), on Sunday comes in the backdrop of similar censures of the NSCN (IM)’s statement by the Naga Hoho, Naga Council Dimapur and Naga Mothers’ Association.
“Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT Nagaland) has noted seriously the press statement by the NSCN (IM). ACAUT Nagaland feels that the press statement is unbecoming of a matured organization which claims to be working for the Naga people. If one chooses to look back in time one can see that for any political movement to succeed it must win the hearts and support of the people. It is extremely regrettable and unfortunate that an organization like NSCN (IM) should resort to threats and intimidation for tax citing their legitimate right to do so.”
The ACAUT reasoned that the NSCN (IM) must also see that there are other 7-8 factions claiming the same thing. “And in such a scenario how can NSCN (IM) claim their legitimacy to tax, it also raises the question to the all other Naga political groups that this claim by NSCN-IM questions their legitimacy too, as far as the public is concerned none of the NPG’s have the legitimacy to collect tax till the time there’s factionalism as this is the cause for multiple taxations.” It stated that such insensitivity to the plights of the people will only alienate the masses from the Naga political movement and the NPG’s because it not only affects the business community but whole of Nagas, as even public ferrying wood or vegetables from their farms are taxed, consequently NPG’s will have no one to blame but themselves.
“It is about time for all the NPGs to realize to the obvious fact that Naga people yearn for unity and to have a say in their course of destiny. It is therefore extremely important for all the NPGs to see the implications and urgency in taking the goodwill and support of the people for the cause of Naga Political Movement and desist from making attempts to threaten organizations that are merely echoing the moods of the general public on the pretext of sabotaging the Naga political movement whilst ignoring the real problem that is within,” it stated.
The Naga public had awaited with bated breath when the Naga Concordant and Lenten agreement was signed under initiative of FNR in both times it marked the new chapter for Naga reconciliation: a journey of common hope was ignited in the hearts of the common people and dreams were build only to be dashed twice, the ACAUT reminded.
“However ACAUT Nagaland is of the firm conviction that all hope is not lost, that unity is possible within the life time of leaders who were there since the inception of Naga Political Struggle, it believes that there is still noble remnants of past ideals still embedded deep within the leaders of NPG’s and it is, to these higher moral ideals and wisdom of the leaders in NPG’s that ACAUT Nagaland appeals to focus their attention with all sincerity and in true Christian spirit to rekindle the unfinished initiatives of the FNR from where it was left inclusive of all NPG’s and may GOD help us to find unity and a peaceful solution to the vexed Naga political issue once and for all and this is the prayer of every Naga soul.”
ACAUT Nagaland is also of opinion that Naga people deserves to know the reasons for the failure of Naga Concordant and Lenten agreement and that FNR should come out in the open publicly as it is important to maintain transparency on matters of such that concerns all of Nagas, it stated. The ACAUT Nagaland also appreciated the public for adhering to the October 31st 2013 resolution.
