Kiphire, March 23 (MExN): The United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) and Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) on Tuesday appealed different Naga political groups (NPGs) to desist from imposing any taxes against aspirational development activities under Kiphire district.
In a joint statement issued on March 23, the organisations stated that Kiphire district which is “the most backward district in Nagaland” was declared as one of the aspirational district among others in India on May 2018.
Districts are ranked based on progress made (Delta ranking) on a real time basis. So if funds meant for development are siphoned off, then being called aspirational district do not hold any water, they stated.
In this regard, the USLP, YTC and ESH made the appeal to the NPGs and cautioned that impeding development activities by any NPG will result in the three tribal bodies ceasing cooperation to the groups.
“Failure to hear and honour the genuine voice of the people will attract the hue and cry of the masses,” they added.
Further, the three tribal unions urged the NPGs to avoid taxing vehicles ferrying essential commodities from Dimapur to Kiphire meant for the common public who have to pay for the “skyrocketing prices.”
The USLP, YTC and ESH also appealed to different Heads of Departments under Kiphire district to be stationed within the district and oversee the development activities.
