Hundreds of people from all walks of life joined the public rally organized by Diphupar Village Council (DVC) against “unabated taxation, extortion, kidnapping and threatening citizens and its leaders” here on Saturday.
The rally, which started at Airport Junction proceeded to Green Park Junction, and concluded at the Agri Expo Gate, where a formal programme was held. Holding placards some of which read: “Enough is enough”, “Let public live freely”, “Gun culture not tolerable”, “One government, One tax”, “Say no to extortion”, the rallyists, after the programme, submitted a six-point memorandum to the deputy commissioner (DC) Chümoukedima.
Earlier, addressing the rally at Agri Expo Gate, DVC chairman Ghuzui Shohe maintained that Nagaland has now become a land of taxation with around 25 to 26 factions imposing taxes indiscriminately without leaving anyone. He said that factions have now even started threatening citizens using gun.
Narrating the recent incidents under Diphupar village jurisdiction including kidnapping of a grocery shop owner and threats on Diphupar Naga Youth Organization (DNYO) president, the chairman said that the community has suffered greatly and felt compelled to voice their discontent against such actions.
Shohe informed that a self-styled “captain” identified as one Kahovi Chishi, who was reportedly “disturbing” the village, was arrested and subsequently expelled from the village. DVC chairman warned that any antisocial activities in the village would not be tolerated.
In his speech, DNYO president, T. Molongba Ao, questioned the future direction of the Naga community. He claimed that a new faction is formed in the state “between lunch and dinner”, which levies illegal taxes and threaten citizens.
Reminding that Nagas have always sought unity, DNYO questioned whether public leaders and civil society organizations were there to be threatened by those factions.
He said public were out on the streets because they have had enough, and warned that “If the public comes out, you will have nowhere to run”.
Also, delivering a short speech, Diphupar Naga Women Organization (DNWO) chairperson, Khriezovenuo, extended solidarity to the protest rally and expressed condemnation against the antisocial elements.
She said Nagaland is a Christian state, but such actions bring shame. Therefore, DNWO chairperson urged all Nagas to not take such issues lightly. In his short speech, Diphupar Naga Students Union (DNSU) president, Lenisang Jamir, highlighted that the rally was not just about the incidents at Diphupar but about condemning all antisocial activities that affected the state on a daily basis.
He later urged all 26 factions to come under one umbrella and pursue together the common goal of the Nagas. Meanwhile, former president of Naga Hoho, HK Zhimomi, reflected on the origins of Naga political movement. He acknowledged that some factions were genuinely working for the Naga national movement, but others were merely there to undermine it. “The Naga political movement is not an unemployment industry. It is a voluntary movement, not a place to earn a daily bread,” Zhimomi asserted.
Sovima village council chairman, Sebastian Zumvü, in his speech, stated that Naga people were suffering because the government of India had signed ceasefire agreements with the factions, but were not implementing the ground rules in letter and spirit. “Implement the ceasefire ground rules in letter and spirit, then Nagas will be happy,” Zumvü stated.
Other speakers who delivered solidarity messages included members from Dimapur Ao Youth Organization, Angami Youth Organization, and others, who all strongly condemned illegal taxations, and called for unity and action against antisocial elements.