Following the “death penalty/capital punishment” issued to one of its member and a contracto r(proprietor of M/s KKB Rülho), the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) has declared that all Angami villages will initiate non-cooperation towards NSCN-K (Khango) group until such time the issue was resolved.
This decision was part of a three-point declaration made during an emergency presidential council meeting held at APO Hall, attended by over 270 representatives from all Angami villages.
The house also decided that all Angami individuals serving in various capacities within the NSCN-K (Khango) group would be immediately recalled. Additionally, the house resolved to reiterate the Angami Public Organisation’s 1993 resolution, which states that no contributions or donations would be made to any Naga National Group unless all groups come under one umbrella. This resolution was reaffirmed in 2015.
Addressing media persons after the meeting, AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu asserted that illegal taxation was plaguing the Naga society and emphasized that the current issue should serve as an eye-opener for all Nagas.
He added that the silence of the public should not be mistaken for weakness, as the people were enduring untold hardships due to multiple taxation. He cautioned that the day might not be too far when common public would rise to defend themselves against these atrocities.
He said the trust in government agencies was wavering and that the general public would need to safeguard the interests of their own members.
AYO has also expressed intentions to collaborate with other tribe youth bodies to initiate a widespread “mass movement” to fight against illegal multiple taxation.
Narrating the sequence, Ltu explained that a person named “Max”, claiming to be from NSCN-K (Khango) group, called the proprietor of KKB Rülho on July 20, 2024.
“Max” informed the contractor the group was aware about his contract works and demanded payments and issued a 15-day ultimatum with effect from July 20 to comply, or face the death penalty.
Following this threat, the contractor informed his family and subsequently on the advice of his family, the issue was brought to the attention of AYO.
After discussion, decided to intervene as it was a direct threat to one of its prominent and active members.
On July 22, AYO met with the chairman NSCN-K (Khango) of the Angami region , who was accompanied by ten members, including the town command. At the meeting, Ltu said the Angami Region chairman initially denied knowing anyone named “Max” but assured to talk to his higher-ups and get back.
Accordingly, chairman of the Angami region informed AYO that on July 23, NSCN K (Khango) kilonsers including home and finance had a meeting during which the top officials denied knowing any person by the name of Max or that anyone had entrusted him to make such demands.
However, on July 24, AYO received another call from the chairman confirming that Max was indeed acting on instructions from higher-ranking officials within the group.
During the course of discussion, AYO said it was asked as to what it had contributed towards the NSCN-K (Khango) group. Ltu responded that it was not just the armed workers who had contributed towards the Naga cause but also contributions and sacrifices made by the general public, and the sufferings and untold hardships endured by the people which should not be undermined by any Naga National Group.
When NSCN-K(Khango) asked AYO to go to Mon and meet with higher-ups, AYO declined, stating that since it was not at fault in the issue and rather the party at fault should take the initiative to resolve it.
Ltu said that since one of its members (contractor) was being threatened, AYO had decided take up the case and so there was no question of the contractor having to deal with the group in this case.
He highlighted that AYO had shown a willingness to resolve the matter by extending an olive branch and had requested a meeting with the group, but even after 24 hours had passed after the request was made on July 24 there has been no response.
Ltu further mentioned that considering NSCN K (Khango) was also a government entity, AYO had deliberated and decided that proper respect should be accorded. They informed the group of their readiness to meet at a location of the group’s choosing anywhere in Kohima.
Despite assurances from NSCN-K (Khango) that both sides would meet by July 25, yet no communication was received till the evening of July 26 which prompted AYO to call for the emergency meeting.
Ltu said that AYO was still waiting for response and expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved amicably. However, he said AYO would initiate its own course of action starting next week until the matter was settled.
In response to a query about the amount demanded, Ltu disclosed that the person called “Max” demanded that the contractor pay for all the contract works he was undertaking, without specifying any amount.
On whether AYO had approached the police, Ltu replied in negative but disclosed that he was informed by an official from the PHQ that a Suo Moto case would be filed by the police.
When asked if Angamis in NSCN-K(Khango) would be willing to disassociate from the group, Ltu stated that AYO had made a clarion call to all its members and was hopeful that they would heed the call. He mentioned that so far around 18 individuals have confirmed they were associated with the group.
When asked whether any timeframe had been given Ltu said as the recall had been made AYO remained hopeful the community members would respond positively.
In this regard, the youth presidents of the four ranges-NAYO, SAYO, WAYO and CYO- have been given the charge to oversee their respective members.
AYO general secretary Neidilhoutuo Sechü informed that, due to instances of impersonation in such cases, AYO ensured that Max’s identity and affiliation were fully ascertained through due diligence.
He added that AYO was formed with the preamble to protect its land and people, and since the present issue involved its people and an upright contractor, AYO had to step in to defend its member.
Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) president, Metekhrielie Mejura said they regarded the national workers as their own brothers and soldiers. However, the issue of multiple taxation was becoming unbearable for the people.
The meeting declaration was signed by AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu, general secretary Neidilhoutuo Sechü; SAYO president Metekhrielie Mejura, Chakhroma Youth Organisation president Seyieneilhou Keyho, Northern Angami Youth Organisation president Khrievolie Zhale and Western Angami Youth Organisation president Neitolie Peseyie.