EMN
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 18
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has declared the Eastern Nagaland as “No tax zone on teaching community’ and urged all Naga political groups not to misunderstand but to extend cooperation for the cause of Nagas.
The meeting of frontal organizations- ENSF, ENPO & ENWO along with 6 tribal apex bodies (KU, USLB, YTC, CKS, PPC & KTC) at Longleng on January 12, discussed on the poor “educational stagnancy & economic condition” of the region (Eastern Nagaland), unanimously declared Eastern Nagaland (Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire) as “No Tax Zone on Teaching Community”.The federation appreciated all the Naga political groups for extending full cooperation to the cause of the Nagas for the past 2 years (2013-14) with a vision to build a strong Nation. The federation opined that “No nation can be build without imparting good education today”. On the contrary, the federation also appealed to all the Naga political groups not to misunderstand the concept of freeing the teaching community from paying tax.
ENSF president Shahsha L. Menhahu and general secretary Honang M Jessuhu in a released said, “It is never a deviation from our political demand and vision. Neither is it a force to restrain or abstain from collecting tax. Rather it is a heralding call to all the Naga Political groups to come forward in building a strong Naga nation by imparting good education today.
It however said, such initiation not only aims in freeing the burden of taxation upon the teaching community but all teaching community should foster on with its assigned duty sincerely and regularly.
The declaration also stated that it would terminate any teacher (including VEC) if its assigned duty is not implemented efficiently. “For mass consumption, the initiation does not lie with the Federation alone. Be it over ground or underground, it is a social obligation for all Naga citizens. Let us join our effort in one accord in building a strong Naga Nation.”
The federation said, the motive behind such initiation was to rebuild educational future that stagnant society today. “The theme “rectification” on the educational system is an offshoot that forces us to fight against the cruelty of the word “tax”. But one should not misunderstand or consider such move as an offence step against our political goal (i.e “sovereignty”). The quest/blood for sovereignty shall not be shaken as long as we uphold truth and walk in the light. We are Nagas and we shall all fight for our future.”
The ENSF noted that prior to 2012, both the Students’ Federation (ENSF/NSF) had visited and apprised all the Naga political groups in this regard. The 2nd round of meeting with all the NPGs was initiated in the year 2013, it added.
The federation, as resolved and declared during joint NSF-ENSF president meet urged all the NPGs and individuals not to create unwanted situation or harass/threaten any individual/teachers/leaders on this matter. The citizens of Eastern Nagaland earnestly appealed to all the NPGs and individual to extent full cooperation and support in this regard. “Naga as a nation shall salute you for the sacrifices you made today.”
