DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): The Action Committee against Unabated Taxation Nagaland has stated that “as far as unabated taxations are concerned, all factions stand sullied.” ACAUT Nagaland, in a press note, stated that the “NNC/FGN stand that they do not collect taxes but receives only free will donations deserves ridicule.” It further termed it unfortunate that the NNC/FGN do “not believe in the unification of the warring NPGs.”
It appreciated the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry for their appeal to the NPGs not to tax the business community of Kohima. It added that the KCCI is “right in pointing out that unabated taxation has reached sickening levels in Nagaland” and that ACAUT Nagaland “fully endorses the stand of KCCI that unabated taxation taking place under coercion should not take place.” It reiterated its appeal for the Naga public not to pay tax to any of the NPGs as long as the factions remain divided. It further appealed to the chamber of commerce of all districts to take a stand similar to the one taken by KCCI.
Quoting Victor Hugo, ACAUT Nagaland said that, “there is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world; and that is, an idea whose time has come.” It added that, “perhaps this stands true for Nagas today.” Stating that Naga future and aspiration lies in unity and that it is reverberating into the interiors of every Naga villages; the committee called for concerted efforts, “setting aside each other’s differences and mistakes for a better future.”
It then cautioned, “Uncompromising and self righteous stance by NPG’s at this juncture will neither bring peace nor reconciliation and is an utter disrespect for the feelings of Nagas who yearn for peace and normalcy.” It then further appealed for the various NPGs to desist from targeting individuals airing facts in public interest. Citing that of late, “NPGs have made a habit of targeting moral voices such as Khekiye Sema and T. Solo,” it stated, “Selective victimization of individuals will only serve to further alienate the former from the public.” ACAUT Nagaland further condemned “any form of intimidations to muzzle voices.”
