Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee (NFHRCC), on receipt of information that some Naga Political Groups (NPGs) were attempting to tax the contractor handling the Doyang Bridge construction, has stated that any form of taxation levied by any group will be treated as being against Naga integrity.
NFHRCC convenor, Supu Jamir, general secretary, W. Lemba Chang and assistant general secretary, W. Chenithung Humtsoe, in a press release said that the committee held a meeting on December 2 and this anti-taxation stand was among the resolutions it adopted “in regards to the Naga Historical Survival Foothills Road.” In the release, the committee said it sought to make it loud and clear that NPGs were neither allowed, nor permitted to levy any tax as per an understanding arrived between the NFHRCC and the NPGs.
It appealed to all the NPGs, irrespective of position, rank and status, to reaffirm the understanding that had been arrived at earlier between them at the time of commencement of the project in 2013.
The NFHRCC also resolved to routinely visit and inspect the ongoing construction works at the Doyang Bridge site. Appreciating reports that work had resumed on the bridge, the NFHRCC requested the contractor and workers to cooperate with the team when they visit the site.
It also appreciated the present government for its concern for the project, and appealed to the government to issue work orders in regard to the remaining uncut portions as promised by the minister of Road and Bridges, Tongpang Ozukum and, chief minister, Neiphiu Rio.