Kuzhovesa Soho
Phek | June 24
In the backdrop of kidnapping and extortion taking place the public of Phek town have undertaken a three-point resolution during a public meeting on June 9 one of which include severance of all ties with any underground groups and getting rid of more than a dozen form of extorted collections.
Out of more than 25 varied forms of extorted collections (called “taxation”) being imposed on the public by the underground groups, the public has decided to do away with 15 such “taxations” being imposed by the undergrounds: These include “professional tax”, “community tax”, “non-local ID tax”, “ILP tax”, double taxation on pharmacies, saw mills, stone crushers, “tender tax”, “load tax”, “timber tax”, “firewood tax”, “educational mid-day meal tax”, PDS percentage deductions, deductions from the work-charge workers, forced donations and “local product taxes” etc.
The resolution of the public were endorsed jointly and appended by 9 frontal organizations of Phek. They are the Phek Area Mothers Association, Phek Town Youth Society, Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union, Phek Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Phek Town Public Welfare Committee, Phek Town Colony Chairman Forum, GB Union of Phek Town, Taxi Union of Phek Town and Truck Union of Phek Town.
It further resolved that any individual or groups found to be intimidating and threatening or particularizing leaders of the mentioned organizations on public welfare issues, the public shall initiate its course of action as deemed fit.
Notifying all Naga underground groups in Phek town, the public has decided that to severe all ties and cooperation with any underground group in case any anti-social elements are found into the fold of any of the groups in the near future. The public would also in no way entertain such anti-elements and the same yardstick would be applied to the entire group.
The public further warned that any individual or underground functionary failing to comply with the resolution would be “forwarded to the district administration for legal course of action.”
