Dimapur, Nov. 6 (EMN): The Public Action Committee (PAC) seems to have earned the ire of the working committee of NNPGs while fighting against illegal taxation in the state, as the latter has expressed its displeasure over the move, stating that it poses a threat to survival of the Naga army.
A press release from the media cell of the working committee, which was made available to the media on Wednesday, stated that it is ‘deeply disturbed at the inconsiderate and remorseless nature of the PAC.’
“While it is in the interest of all the Naga people to check and control illegal and unauthorized collections by petty unions, organisations and associations, which have become a menace to the people, WC would, however, point out the threat potential it poses to thousands of uniformed Naga Army in various designated camps, units and regional commands and duty bound civilian national workers in regions and sub-regions, who survive on the day to day contribution of the Naga people and business community especially in Nagaland,” read the statement.
“It is a testing time for Nagas politically. The GOI has perfectly understood the Naga issue, yet back home the PAC has, in a bizarre move, tightened its screws against the WC, NNPG, cutting off day to day supply line, threatening the very survival of those striving to ensure Nagas secure their identity, peace and respectable future,” it added.
The working committee of NNPGs said that thousands of “national workers” will still depend on the generosity and contribution of the business community in Dimapur and other centres in the coming months. Considering the severity of the situation, it said PAC leaders “must fulfil adequate food supply and financial requirements to sustain the Naga movement till Agreement with GOI is inked and transitional period begins.”
Alleging that “voluntary contributions and minimal taxation by national workers have been abolished completely” and its cadres are being picked up from homes and put behind bars without any compunction at the behest of PAC, the committee has asked the convener and co-convener of the PAC to “respond within four days why Naga national workers must not seek even minimal contribution from Nagas to sustain themselves, particularly at this juncture.” It added that ‘the lives of thousand patriots cannot be put in danger to fulfil ulterior motives of few.’
It said the leaders of PAC “must take full responsibility should there be any unsavoury incident from hunger and starvation of national workers.”
“The action of PAC is Anti-solution and ill-motivated stratagem to completely disorient and create chaos on the eve of political solution. On one hand, the Naga people are optimistic and ready for solution hoping for a brighter future. On the other, the PAC, by its very action is trying to bring anarchy and sideline the much awaited political solution,” it said.
The committee stated that “it would be criminal to not provide basic daily necessities” when all the designated camps of the NNPGs are “occupied fully by civil and military workers anticipating positive outcome from the Indo-Naga peace talks.”
