AYO submits a memorandum to the Nagaland Governor. The memorandum underscored the recent incident where a Naga contractor was threatened for “capital punishment” for refusing to pay forced taxation by the GPRN/NSCN (Khango) group, who are currently under ceasefire with the Government of India (GoI). The case was just the “tip of the iceberg” as there are many such cases not brought into the public domain, it said.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
Braving odds and incessant downpours, thousands from across the State held a protest rally in Kohima on Tuesday “against unabated illegal taxations, harassments, intimidations, and death threat to common masses” by Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
People from various communities within Kohima and beyond gathered at the Old MLA Junction, Kohima, since the morning to show solidarity with the Angami Youth Organization (AYO), which led the rally. Almost all the speakers, representing different Naga communities and others, voiced grave concerns that need immediate attention to address the situation.
After the rally, AYO office-bearers submitted a memorandum to the governor of Nagaland, Raj Bhavan, Kohima. In the memorandum, the AYO shed light on the various perusals by different agencies at the former’s disposal and also about the illegal activities being committed blatantly by the various “armed groups” in Nagaland much to the dismay of the general populace.
AYO’s president, Kesosul Christopher Ltu, and general secretary, Neidilhoutuo Sechii, in the memorandum underscored the recent incident where a Naga contractor was threatened for “capital punishment” for refusing to pay forced taxation by the GPRN/NSCN (Khango) group, who are currently under ceasefire with the Government of India (GoI). The case was just the “tip of the iceberg” as there are many such cases not brought into the public domain, it said.
Taking the opportunity, AYO highlighted additional points for consideration and immediate action. They referenced the “Ceasefire Ground Rules,” mutually agreed upon by the Government of India (GoI) and various NSCN groups, which clearly state that these groups shall refrain from activities disrupting the “economy and developmental activities as well as essential services” (citing “#viii of Ceasefire Ground Rules”). Furthermore, it was mutually agreed that the groups “will refrain from extortion, forcible collection of money and supplies, and intimidation of individuals, including Government officials” (#xi of the Ceasefire Ground Rules).
Whereas” the onus of enforcement of the ground rules has been vested with the Government of India and that contentious issues relating to implementation of the ground rules would be resolved by a “Ceasefire Supervisory Board/ Ceasefire Monitoring Group”, while it has come to learn that there might be cessation of armed conflicts between security forces and the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) after signing of the agreements, extortion and forcible collection of money from all business enterprises, which have been carried out with impunity and the common men facing the brunt, it said.
AYO alleged that the GPRN/NSCN (Khango) had gone to the extent of even issuing “death penalty” for not succumbing to their “illegal demands”, it was also learnt that a “directive” was issued to all contractors under the purview of the AYO, which accordingly implied on to a contractor belonging to a particular Naga community, wherein the alleged NSCN group(s) had already “immediately” ceased activities and demobilize their manpower and machinery currently deployed across other districts in Nagaland.
As the common or the public are utterly “fed-up” with the activities of these armed cadres, it may not be long before unarmed public take on these armed cadres resulting in a civil unrest which would have worse implications and results than that of the prevailing situation in the neighboring states, it added.
The memorandum demanded The Government of India strictly enforce the Ceasefire Ground Rules in letter and spirit by ensuring the cadres of the groups adhere to the agreed ground rules and the State Government takes necessary action to protect its citizens and assert its authority if any such acts of coercion take place.
It urged the Government to ensure that armed groups cease and desist immediately their activities of intimidation and extortion in the name/guise of ‘donations’ and the armed cadres be confined to their designated camps and prohibited to move around with arms in civilian areas.
It also asked the Government of India to stop legitimizing splinter groups by recognizing them if it wanted an early settlement of the Indo-Naga problem.
It maintained that the intentional abrogation of the ceasefire rules by the GPRN/NSCN (Khango) by way of issuing death threat and openly intimidating the common people is not only a violation of the ceasefire norms but also a violation of human rights. It demanded that the Ceasefire Monitoring Group immediately take befitting action against this group if it fails to take corrective measures by withdrawal of the capital punishment issued by GPRN/NSCN Khango Group and withdrawal of the directive issued to all contractors under the purview of AYO (implying all Angami Contractors) to cease activities and demobilize their manpower and machinery currently deployed across other districts in Nagaland.
The memorandum further stated that in the event of any recalcitrant group continue violating the ceasefire ground rules, the Ceasefire Monitoring Group should abrogate the ceasefire with such group. Also, the concerned members should be strictly booked under the National Security Act of 1980.
Later, the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) said that it is a civil organization, but would not hesitate to protect its people at any cost, while firmly believing on the responsibilities of the Nagaland government to protect the wellbeing of its citizens with a trust that it would take all necessary actions by considering its representation with outmost importance and urgency.
Speaking at the public rally, Naga Student’s Federation (NSF) general secretary, Chumben Khuvung, said that the recent incident was a matter of grave concern which threatens the very fabric of the congenial Naga society.
Pointing out that the recent outrageous threat of “capital punishment” to a member of AYO is an act where every Nagas must unequivocally condemn, as such acts of intimidation and violence have no place in the society.
“They undermine the unity and peace that we, as Nagas, have strived for generations to achieve. We must remember that our strength lies in our unity, our resilience, and our collective commitment to justice and the rule of law”, said the NSF
In his solidarity message, vice-president, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Sepikyu Sangtam, on the unabated illegal taxations, harassment, intimidation, and also “death threats” to common people by different NPGs, has voiced out his “heart” that the Naga society is still in the “shadow” of threats which according to him is unbecoming.
Maintaining that the thousands gathered despite downpours, former NSF president and incumbent president Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ), Kegwayhun Tep, has termed the day not as a gathering to be against the “national movement” but is against the multiple taxation and its growth, imposing upon the people which accordingly is “tiresome” and cannot remain silent any longer.
In his short message, Tep said that Rengma students as a youth organization fought and had endorsed for “one government” and felt that until and unless all the different groups of the Naga National Movement and the civil society come together, the common “purpose and aspiration” cannot be fulfilled.