Terms Nyekha and Chophy selfless crusaders for public welfare
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 7
In the wake of the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups censuring the Public Action Committee (PAC) of the Naga Council, the ACAUT reacted strongly coming to the defence of the PAC. The ACAUT, in a statement issued to the media today, expressed shock at the WC’s perceived targeting of two PAC leaders.
The WC, through a statement to the media on November 6, termed the PAC led by Convenor Vekhosayi Nyekha and Co-convenor K Ghokheto Chophy as “inconsiderate and remorseless,” adding that it was deeply disturbed by the latter’s campaign. While they acknowledged the curbing of illegal and unauthorized collections by petty unions, organisations and associations, the WC however held that the PAC’s campaign poses a threat to the survival of the Naga cause and the “Naga Army,” who survive on the contribution of the Naga public and the business community in Nagaland.
In the statement, the ACAUT said that accusing the PAC’s two leaders of treating the “Naga freedom fighters with contempt is uncalled for and a diversionary tactic from the real issue at hand.”
It added, “It is an open secret that most of the high ranking officials of different Naga political groups are living luxurious lifestyle ever since the enforcement of ceasefire.”
On the other hand, it said that Nyekha and Chophy’s work with the PAC have been nothing less than a “selfless” service to address a pressing problem of the “Naga public which is unabated and multiple taxation.”
It further asserted that the PAC members are representatives of Naga civil organizations and apex tribal bodies collectively representing the voice of the people “in it's sustained outcry against unabated taxation.”
Recalling the ‘Naga Concordant’ through which the Naga Political Groups agreed in principle to the formation of Naga National Government through the Lenten Agreement of 2014, the ACAUT said that the public was of the impression that it implied "one government one tax" but it has not materialized.
“ACAUT Nagaland, demands that the High Powered Commission report on the whole gamut of taxation submitted to the Government of Nagaland in 2016, be implemented as a part of the modalities for solution to unabated taxation… When people are looking with hope and expectations, answers should be based on the fair and just policies as the issue is out in the open.”
It added that the Nagas should use the opportunity to engage in open dialogue to transform Nagaland from a “begging mentality” to that of opportunities for the future generation.
The WC had also stated that given the PAC’s stand on taxation, Nyekha and Chophy should supply the necessary food requirements to all the designated camps.
In response, the ACAUT questioned the logic behind the Ceasefire Ground Rules allowing “card-holders” to keep guns while “ration cards” or food supplies have not been sanctioned.
Police escort to PAC leaders
The Nagaland Police responded with providing police escort to two individuals called out by the WC. According to police sources, the Convenor and Co-convenor of the PAC were provided with armed police guards today in light of the perceived threat.
However, one of the PAC leaders refused to accept the security provision from the police.
PAC Convenor K Ghokheto Chophy, who refused the police escort, said that he does not see the WC statement as a personal threat. “I don’t perceive it as a threat. I am just an ordinary citizen activist committed to a greater public cause,” said Chophy.
Convenor Vekhosayi Nyekha said that he was hesitant at first to accept the police escort but relented on the advice of public leaders.
Meanwhile, the PAC’s parent body- the Naga Council, Dimapur was still to react or issue a response to the WC statement. The PAC however said that the NCD will convene and issue a statement soon.
