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KOHIMA — Thousands of citizens, many donning traditional attire, braved heavy rains to participate in a massive public rally in Kohima on Tuesday.
The rally, organised by the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), aimed to protest the “unabated illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation, and death threats to common people”, at the hands of armed groups.
Addressing the rally, AYO president, Kesosul Christopher Ltu, said that the organisation would protect business people operating within their lands; however, if any Angami individual is threatened, they would view it as a challenge to the entire tribe.
He said that the rally follows the AYO's recent declaration of non-cooperation with the GPRN/NSCN Khango group after the latter issued a “death penalty” to a contractor (proprietor of M/s KKB Rülho) who is also an AYO member.
Stating that there are about 18 Angami members currently holding ranks within the NSCN , he said the AYO would not hesitate to take action if any harm befell those 18 members.
Ltu also pledged support to other tribes taking a stand against similar illegal activities by underground factions in their respective districts.
Making a call for unity, Tia Longchar, the president of Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, emphasised the urgent need to collectively resist illegal taxation, extortion, and harassment. The community has endured enough of these oppressive practices and it is time to take a stand, he asserted.
He lauded the AYO leadership for spearheading the movement and condemned the actions of the NSCN, which had previously signed a ceasefire agreement with the government of India.
Criticising the various factions that have splintered from the Naga Socialist Council of Nagaland over the years, he argued that their ideologies “based on power from the barrel of a gun”, have ironically led them to oppress the very people they claim to represent. He also noted the discrepancies between the ceasefire ground rules, which were meant to prevent disturbances in local governance and economic activities, and the actions of Naga political groups.
Longchar went on to condemn the extortion of contractors and the alleged misuse of designated camps located in populated areas, which he said, are supposed to be non-militarised zones.
He also questioned the chairman of the ceasefire monitoring group, questioning their awareness of the hardships faced by the public and accusing them of complicity in these violations.
R John Zeliang, president of Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland, urged the state government to recognise and address the issue. Alleging that politicians exploit underground factions for their own gain during elections, he said that the public are left to bear the brunt of the consequences.
The community will continue to suffer unless the government takes decisive action, he said.
Muphatho Nyuthe, acting president of the Pochury Youth Organisation, highlighting the detrimental impact of illegal taxation on development activities, cited the death threat issued to the contractor working on a road project in Meluri sub-division as a prime example.
Nyuthe condemned the NSCN for its actions and urged them to revoke the standing order in the interest of Naga society. He called upon the community to unite against such practices and fight for their rights, advocating for the safety and security of all.
Leaders from other organisations, including the Chakhesang Youth Front, Lotha Youth Hoho, Rengma Selo Zi, and the Sumi Youth Organisation, joined the chorus of condemnation, stressing the urgent need for tribal unity to combat illegal taxation and extortion.
Solidarity messages were also shared by Naga Students' Federation; Eastern Naga Students' Federation; Business Association of Nagas and Confederation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry.