EMN
DIMAPUR, JULY 7
The NSCN (IM) has, once again, been told that its threat to “execute tax defaulters” – through a press statement issued on July 4 last – is “unacceptable” and “not worthy of an organization which claims to be the torch bearer of Naga political legacy.”
This reprimand was contained in a press release issued by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on Tuesday. It was only on Sunday last that another civil organization, the Naga Hoho, had made plain its displeasure over the NSCN-IM’s statement.
“While the Naga Council considers the Naga movement as legitimate, it is another matter that Nagas will not accept any form of threats against its leaders. The recent press release given by NSCN-IM on 4th July is not worthy of an organization which claims to be the torch bearer of Naga political legacy,” read the Naga Council statement.
It stated that the NSCN (IM) threatening to execute “tax defaulters” was unacceptable and that it was extremely pained at the sight of an organization pursuing for peace talks with the government of India, for an honorable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga imbroglio, speaking in a language of such extremism.
“The danger with these kinds of statement is that it will only serve to alienate the general Naga population, thereby having grave consequences to the Naga movement itself. The Naga Council is of the strong view that on the issue of taxation, organizations/movements voicing the concern of the common masses cannot be condemned as criminals abetting tax evasion,” it stated.
