EMN
DIMAPUR, JUNE 18
Infuriated class-one government contractors today questioned armed group GPRN/NSCN who actually was responsible for Nagas being deprived of development, when development always entailed the undergrounds’ own brand of “tax”, “commissions” and deductions. Besides the monetary demands, the contractors stated, the developers are always left with additional burdens once the work is completed as if threats and intimidation were not enough.
The Nagaland government registered class-one contractors union (NGRC-1 CU) issued a scathing press statement today in response to yet another extortion attempt against a contractor. The union has told the armed organization to go to the Public Works department if they have any problems.
“NGRC-1 CU is outraged by the allegations of GPRN/NSCN Lotha region against one Nagaland government class-I contractor Mr. Vilelie Khamo (who is also a member of the Action Committee for the NGRC-I CU),” the union stated in a press statement. Contractors met on June 17 and denounced the “malicious allegation” against the contractor by the GPRN / NSCN. “…while throwing false allegation is a matter serious enough in itself, to threaten the contractor is absolutely unacceptable,” the union stated.
“Who is depriving the people of their right to better facilities? It is not only the contractors who are unduly burdened. From the small shops to the modest business ventures that struggle to find a foothold and hold families together, the common man irrespective of tribe and region is plagued by this all too common and frustrating situation that pulls us down.”
The union also noted the customary silence of the government of Nagaland. The silence of the department in this matter is “totally baffling and unethical,” the union stated and asked the authorities to “immediately clarify to the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region as well as the general public regarding the said completed project.”
Union notes GPRN/NSCN tribalism
The union also noted the sectarian statement of the group: “For the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region to state, ‘Awarding of all major contract works in the Lotha region to outside contractors is the main reason for the poor execution of the contract works as they have no regard for the welfare of the local populace except to earn money…”
The union responded by staating that the armed groups’ statement “only shows their level of intellectual immaturity since this instigates tribalism among the Nagas. Another issue that requires attention is that not every person is bent only on making easy money at the cost of the local people’s welfare.”
The union reminded that in reality, it is a tall order to make even a low margin of profit following the department’s specifications, while paying off multiple taxations (5% of total project cost, machinery tax, etc ) demanded by multiple underground outfits and other ‘concerned stakeholders’.
“The GPRN/NSCN and all other national groups should understand that contractors comply with their demands whether its percentage deduction from the total project cost or miscellaneous taxes that usually follow from before the project is started to when it is completed, which unduly burdens all contractors without the added weight of threats and intimidations,” the union stated.
At this rate, the union reminded, it will be impossible to carry out / complete projects and contract works since the initial fund that is received is “usually emptied out before it is utilized for its actual purpose.”
The union ridiculed the armed group’s ironical claims “displaying their concern for the people’s welfare when they make such high demands that jeopardizes the entire project before it is even begun.”
The union has asked the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region to retract the statement failing which the NGRC-1 CU will stop “all cooperation with the GPRN/NSCN.”
