No turning back on’ one tax one government’

Government and NPG’s cautioned to act in fairness Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 13 IN a clear indication of the public’s growing indignation against all forms of unauthorized taxation, the public rally today at Chumukedima town send out a strong message to government agencies and armed Naga Political Groups that no forces on earth will be able to stop the Nagas for a revolution when one person is killed for refusing to pay tax. This was stated in the backdrop of the overrunning of the NSCN (IM) Mukalimi camp on December 30,2013 in Zunheboto by an irate public following the molestation of taxi passengers by NSCN(IM) cadres. The public meeting of Chumukedima area initiated by the Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association (CCCTA) reaffirmed the resolutions adopted at the public rally in Dimapur on October 31, 2013. The ‘one tax. one government’stand that connotes that public will not pay tax until all Naga Political Groups come together and form one unified government which till such time the public decided to maintain ‘zero taxation.’The rally also resolved to ostracise any business person from Chumukedima town if they violate the standing resolutions by paying tax till such time all the Naga Political Groups unified and form one government. Retired State bureaucrat, Khekiye K Sema,a speaker at the rally recounted the genesis of the Naga national movement which he said was based on the opposition to not pay tax under foreign yoke. Expounding on the unabated taxation in the Naga society, Khekiye remarked that the ‘system is not right,’ where the common public are made to bear the brunt. He said Nagas want a system whereby the Naga Political Groups should help the public so that the public could help them in return. But the road to this is fraught with challenges, primarily concerning the factor of ‘unity’. Reiterating the October 31 rally resolution on ‘one tax, one government,’ Khekiye said :‘You must unite; if you don’t, we won’t support you.’ He was of the opinion that if the Naga political groups unite and work towards the solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, the public will support them for eternity. He has also ridiculed the manner in which taxations were imposed in the name of ‘Nagaland for Christ.’ He opined that Nagas will never achieve its goal unless we take the phrase ‘Nagaland for Christ’ in the true Christian principles. Khekiye was unsparing in his view of taxation and politics. He clarified that the blame of taxations should not be directed only on Naga political groups. He said even government agencies are equally responsible for the rampant collection of taxations On the occasion, he has also urged the members of Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) to reach out to all villages and garner support in the likeness of the Naga Plebiscite 1951. Also speaking on the occasion, Convenor of ACAUT, Joel Nilo Kath,made a brief introduction of the ACAUT movement which was formed with the motive to fight multiple taxations and syndicate system. He regretted that the State government has failed to officially acknowledge and declare its support to ACAUT adding the October 31 resolution to form a High Powered Committee has not been responded to till date. He has asked the government to take right steps and feel the pulse of the people in curbing the menace of unauthorized taxation before things go beyond control. While stating that ACAUT has not made any tangible achievement, Joel however said the greatest achievement of the ACAUT movement was in creating awareness and emboldening the public to speak the truth. He has acknowledged the existence of ACAUT to the continuous public support. He has called upon the public to join ACAUT movement carry on the momentum in all the Naga area. He also declared the formation of ACAUT Nagaland. Chairman CVC, Razouvotuo Chatsu, and former CTC counselor, Batuo Kuotsu, have exhorted the gathering and urged their support towards ACAUT movement in Naga areas to rid from the menace of unauthorized taxation. Various organizations including the Chumukedimna youth and students, GBs, Dimapur Naga Women Hoho, Chumukedima Mothers’ Association, Naga Blog, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dimapur Urban Colonies Federation, and Business Association of Nagas have endorsed their support to ACAUT in their speeches. CCCTA president, Avi Chase, has chaired the programme, Rev. Keso Shuya has said the invocation while CCCTA vice president, Bohoto Achumi, has tendered the vote of thanks.