DIMAPUR, AUGUST 23 (MExN): The Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) Working Group, consisting of the GPRN/NSCN, NNC/FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (R) and NNC/GDRN (NA), have resolved that “while free donations from our people will be solicited, Naga entrepreneurs shall henceforth be exempted from taxations.”
A statement from the Working Group said that “this step is taken in order to enable Naga youths to confidently pursue and strengthen social fabric and build economic platform for the future.” A viable economy is a key to future generation Nagas, it said.
The Working Group however informed that joint ventures and partnerships between Naga and Non Naga entrepreneurs shall not be exempted in any manner.
It further stated that there are many Naga youths who claim ownership over business houses and are discreetly paid monthly protection fee by non-Naga businessmen. “This practice must be stopped immediately. Educated and talented Naga youths are being reduced to playing the role of bouncers and security guards of Non-Naga entrepreneurs. Business houses keeping Naga youths as watchdogs and bogus owners shall be penalised heavily,” it warned.
Stating that this is the “most critical for the people of Nagaland, especially the younger generation,” the Working Group said that for over a year, the NNPGs have “considerably engaged in threadbare discussions among themselves and have met all the tribes and minority communities of Nagaland.” It thanked all civil societies “understanding the common issue and freely and frankly expressing the desire of the people.”
It termed the Naga struggle as a reflection of a people’s strength, fuelled by political will and desire to determine their own future. “Beginning from 1951, the contribution and donation of our people towards the common cause has been a free expression when the Naga people chose to oppose occupational forces. In recent decades, division and killing among the Nagas have dented the people’s confidence. Presently the level of corruption has skyrocketed thus it is not uncommon to see civil societies expressing displeasure over the chaotic state of affairs,” it observed.
The Six NNPGs, “as per the people’s demand, have taken a major step in forming a Working Committee (WC). The political demand of our people must be met and therefore the six Naga political groups are prepared to march forward and seek a political solution that is acceptable and honourable for our people,” it added.
It further solicited prayer support and solidarity from the Naga people at this “critical juncture.”
