DIMAPUR: GNNC/DSRN has called upon the Naga people to stop paying what it described as illegal taxes imposed by various Naga political groups, alleging that excessive taxation, extortion and corruption were affecting livelihoods, businesses and development in Nagaland.
In a statement issued through its MIP titled “A Statement to the Naga People: Let Us Dare to Speak the Truth”, the group said the taxation practices followed during the Naga National Council (NNC) period were limited to Naga Army rations and house tax. It claimed that villagers provided food and accommodation to the Naga Army, while any additional financial requirements were approved through meetings with village leaders and authorities.
The statement alleged that several groups operating in the name of the Naga political cause were collecting taxes for financial gain rather than pursuing the cause. It questioned the lifestyles of present-day national workers, alleging that some lived in luxury while collecting money from the public.
Calling for a collective refusal to pay illegal taxes, the group said the burden ultimately fell on ordinary citizens through higher prices and increased household expenses. It also alleged that threats and extortion prevented government employees from discharging their duties.
The statement further alleged that commissions ranging from 5% to 10% were deducted from contractors by ministers and senior government officials, affecting the quality of development works. It cited poor road construction and alleged that roads often failed to last a year.
Raising questions over the RD department, the group alleged that Rs.185 crore under grants to excluded areas and rural local bodies during 2017-18 had not reached the respective blocks. It demanded clarification from the state government and called for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation or Enforcement Directorate.
It also alleged that complaints of corruption submitted to the Lokayukta in Kohima had not been acted upon, accusing the anti-corruption institution of remaining silent in coordination with the departments concerned.
The group questioned the practice of multiple factions collecting taxes from businesses, claiming that the costs were ultimately passed on to consumers. It also questioned the imposition of GST on Nagas, stating that Nagas had never been part of India.
Calling for unity against corruption, the statement urged village councils, churches, student bodies and civil society organisations to demand accounts of public funds and development projects. It also called upon the youth to take a leading role in promoting accountability and opposing extortion.
The group further called for implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), stating that only indigenous inhabitants should participate in the state’s affairs and that non-indigenous people should leave Nagaland.
In a separate public warning issued in the name of the government, the statement said taxes would be collected from all non-Nagas, including non-Naga contractors, business establishments and others earning in Nagaland, while Nagas would be exempted.
It warned that corruption, illegal collection, commissions, deductions and misuse of power by any civil organisation, government official, department, union, association or authority would invite action, stating that no one would be exempt from accountability.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026