Phek, January 12 (MExN): The NNC/FGN Chakhesang Region has stated that it was “appalled” by the announcement of the Phek Town Public Forum (PTPF) to put on hold all forms of taxation imposed by multiple Naga Political Groups (NPGs) with effect from 2026.
In a rejoinder to the PTPF statement published in local dailies on January 12, the NNC/FGN contended that the forum’s position overlooked Naga history, particularly the role of the Chakhesang people, and the contributions and sacrifices made by Naga leaders and national workers in pursuit of what it described as a “free Naga homeland.”
The NNC/FGN also objected to what it termed the PTPF’s “generalised labelling” of all NPGs as “factions.”
“To set the record straight, the NNC/FGN is not a faction and has never been one. The NNC is a political institution of the Nagas, and the Federal Government of Nagaland is a government mandated by the Naga people,” it maintained.
It also questioned whether repeated affirmations by the Chakhesang Public Organisation to uphold the NNC’s original principles were matched by genuine support and concrete contributions.
Recounting historical events, the NNC/FGN stated that the Naga National Council was formed on February 2, 1946, with the main objective of working out the terms of relationship with the Government of India following British withdrawal.
It referred to the signing of the Nine-Point Agreement with then Assam Governor M S Akbar Hydari in June 1947, subsequent engagements with Mahatma Gandhi on July 19, 1947, and the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947.
The statement further cited the 1951 Naga voluntary plebiscite under the leadership of A Z Phizo, in which it claimed 99.9% voted in favour of full sovereignty, and noted the boycott of India’s first general elections as well as the 1953 visit of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Kohima.
According to the NNC/FGN, these developments led to increased military presence in Naga areas, resulting in widespread hardship.
Hence, it said, the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) was formed on March 22, 1956, through the merger of free Nagas (Eastern Nagas) represented by the Hongki Government and the NNC representing the Naga Hills District, along with its military wing, the Naga Army, with the objective of “defending and protecting what rightfully belongs to the Nagas.”
As per the NNC/FGN, the movement was propelled by three historical slogans—“Tax or March,” “Ten for One,” and “Our Land is Ours”—which it described as foundational to Naga nationalism.
The first, it asserted, reflected compulsory participation in the movement either through financial or service contributions, while the latter two respectively implied collective community support and the assertion of ownership and defence of land.
Accordingly, the rejoinder issued by Sekuto Shijoh Midan Peyu, Chakhesang Region NNC/FGN stressed that nation-building requires sustained commitment and sacrifice, and called for the revitalisation of the three historical slogans to keep what it described as the national spirit alive.
