ACAUT Nagaland, in a statement issued by its media cell, highlighted “numerous complaints on forceful taxation by NSCN(I-M))” which caused undue harassment on business community that were “against the wishes and resolve of the people”.
First, ACAUT asked the “appropriate authorities” whether the Cease Fire Monitoring Office of NSCN(I-M) at 4th Mile Dimapur was to monitor cease fire ground rules, between government of India and NSCN(I-M), or an establishment to summon business community and collect tax? It reiterated that the ceasefire monitoring office should not be misused to spread fear and apprehension among the business community and in turn, requested the business community to respect “ One Government One Tax resolution of the Naga people”.
Secondly, it wondered what was “this Crime Suppression Department( CSD) of the NSCN(I-M) all about?”. ACAUT accused CSD of levying tax as fines on traders who sell utensils or sell goods without MRP rate. ACAUT requested NSCN(I-M) not to “meddle in activities beyond its mandate while pointing out that there were many commodities that could be sold without MRP but as “fixed by DMC and District administration”.
Thirdly, ACAUT pointed out that there were eight or nine factions in Nagaland and that if the state government was included, it would make at least ten(10) entities. ACAUT said this mean that a person has to carry 10 identity cards but which none should do as it was “absolutely absurd”.
It reiterated, that the plea of NPGs issuing ID cards to non-locals has nothing to do with identifying legal/illegal migrants but only a “money making idea” with which to fill their coffers. ACAUT therefore, appealed to all colonies/villages to be on guard against NPG factions issuing ID cards to non-locals residing in their jurisdictions.