ZYON warns against illegal taxation along NH-129A

The Zeliangrong Youth Organization, Nagaland (ZYON), the apex youth body of the Zeliangrong people in Peren district, has issued a “final and action-oriented statement” condemning the unabated illegal taxation that it said was crippling communities and the economy, particularly along the vital Dimapur-Peren-Maram (NH-129A) corridor.
In a statement, ZYON president R. John Zeliang and asst. general secretary Chahutkerin Newmai said it vehemently opposed and would “never tolerate” any form of forced taxation, extortion, or unauthorized financial demands levied upon community members, businesses, institutions, individuals, or interstate transporters within Peren district by any group, faction, or individual claiming to be “national workers”.
It said repeated instances of such unwarranted financial burdens continued to be imposed, causing hardship, fear and severe disruption to peaceful lives and economic activities. ZYON termed the exploitation utterly reprehensible especially at a time when the Naga populace awaited a political solution that demanded unity and not extortion.
ZYON said that despite prior warnings, reliable sources confirmed that multiple factions were systematically extorting Manipur-bound truck drivers on NH-129A. It said these drivers faced multiple illegal taxation points within Peren district, leading to financial strain, delays, and disruptions in the supply of essential commodities to neighbouring Manipur. The resultant inflation, ZYON said, affected common people and undermined regional stability.
The youth body warned that any faction or individual caught engaging in illegal taxation or extortion within Peren district– especially along NH-129A– would face severe consequences.
ZYON said it would mobilize all available resources to identify, expose, and hand over such elements to law enforcement for immediate action. It said it would work closely with the district administration and police to establish a rapid response mechanism and pursue all lawful avenues including public demonstrations and legal petitions to end the menace.
ZYON informed that dedicated volunteer teams would be deployed to monitor strategic points along NH-129A and document illegal activities. The public, business owners and especially truck drivers have been urged to refuse all illegal demands and report such incidents to ZYON volunteers or directly to the organization.
The organization also called upon all Naga Political Groups (NPGs) to publicly condemn such practices and take strict disciplinary action against any cadre involved in illegal extortion. “The Naga political struggle deserves dignity, not criminality,” ZYON stated.
It also appealed to the public, civil society, and the business community to support ZYON’s initiative by reporting any illegal taxation and standing firm against intimidation. “Your active participation is crucial to reclaiming our district from lawlessness,” it added.