Dimapur, July 22 (MExN): Naga Council while appreciating the concerns of the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce on collection of “Naga Commission” by the Naga Council Dimapur has nevertheless clarified that the ADC Dimapur had only renewed a permit that was in force since its inception to levy traditional Naga Commission on permitted items at nominal rates fixed by the Government. A clarification note issued by the Naga Council Committee on Naga Commission pointed out that this commission served different purposes.
Firstly, it was a “symbolic upholding of the identity of the Nagas and their traditional ownership over land and its resources and items imported from outside the State”. Secondly it was clarified that the fees received through Naga Commission goes to the maintenance of the Council Office and its numerous public duties.
In course of time, the workload and obligations of the Council has grown in leaps and bounds, such as maintenance of two public cemeteries, its office staff, office maintenance, organizing public rallies/functions for peace/reconciliation, resolving tribal/communal or mob violence, resolving family/land/murder/rape/money/kidnapping incidents/disputes, just to mention a few, stated the press note.
Untold expenses for public obligations are just partially supported by the frugal funds from rent and levy of nominal Naga Commission which however, in no way whatsoever defray the high costs of running the organization which has rendered its sacrificial services by Tribal representatives from 19 Naga tribes and two mass-based organizations namely, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur and DNSU, the press note further stated.
Currently, numerous works under Naga Council for public amenities and public cemeteries lie under completion due to paucity of funds, it stated. To mention a few, the Old Cemetery prone to encroachments need Rs. 39 lacs for perimeter fencing, the New Cemetery require over 48 lacs for perimeter fencing and Rs. 5 lacs for Caretaker quarters, Rs. 99 lacs for construction of new Cemetery, Rs. 2.47 crores for new office building which was thwarted by HUDCO, etc to cite few instances.
While a nominal levy of Naga Commission in no way make a dent in the needs for such projects, it has remained the source of running the office for public welfare considering the fact that no funds are forth coming from Government, past or present for sustainable functioning of the largest and oldest public organization inspite of rendering full service to Government or Administration during national events namely Independence Days and Republic Days etc. besides round-the-clock support to local administration in event of conflict and law and order situations. As such the Naga Council Committee on Naga Commission has urged that the matter may be viewed in the above context.
