Khughalu Mulatuno along with other members of GPRN/NSCN and NNC during the press conference at Camp Khehoi on Monday, May 30. (Pradeep Pareek Photo)
DIMAPUR, MAY 30 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN today asserted its position to check the menace of illegal taxation continuing with impunity in the commercial hub of Dimapur. Special Envoy to the collective leadership K. Mulatonu made the assertion during a joint coordination meeting of the GPRN/NSCN and the NNC held at the former’s organizational headquarters - Khehoi on Monday, May 30. The meeting was jointly chaired by Mulatonu and Kiumukam Yimchunger - vice president of the NNC ‘non-accordist’ group under Dr. Senka.
Addressing media persons following the meeting, Mulatonu disclosed that the meeting discussed certain pertinent issues ranging from the stand of the two entities on the Shillong Accord of 1975 to the present status of the Naga political struggle; how to go about towards finding a solution and the problem of ‘taxation’, particularly in Dimapur.
Certain elements from within and outside the state, Mulatonu said, are rampantly carrying out extortion in the name of taxation. While informing he was recently vested with the additional charge of the ‘finance ministry’ by the collective leadership, he added his objective henceforth, will be to rid illegal taxation carried out through abuse of authority. When asked if the GPRN/NSCN has a list of the outside forces involved in extortion activities here, Mulatonu without mentioning any names in particular said: “taxation by non-Nagas in Naga soil cannot be accepted.” He added that whatever the GPRN/NSCN receives as tax from the people will be accepted as it will go towards the Nagas’ aspiration for sovereignty.
He also said that the GPRN/NSCN will come down strongly on any person, be it a national worker or others, who indulge in unauthorized taxation taking the name of the organization. Civil societies and other NGOs were also cautioned in this regard. Mulatonu assured to rid Dimapur of illegal taxation but added that this can only be achieved through the cooperation of all - the public, the business community and the government of India included. This matter will be one of their agenda in the next meeting of the CFMG, he said.
GPRN/NSCN – NNC commits to uphold MoU; ‘Taxation by outside forces won’t be allowed’
He informed that it has also come to the notice of the GPRN/NSCN, that persons from the FGN have started taxation in Dimapur. ‘Brigadier (retired)’ Shingya and Zopra Vero have said they work under NNC president Adino as one, however the two are collecting tax at their own discretion, Mulatonu said. Unless their position is clarified they will not be allowed to do so, he added. “Without Adino’s authority taxation (by the FGN) will not be allowed.”
Kiumukam Yimchunger said that they will continue to commit to the MoU signed with the GPRN/NSCN on December 14, 2010. “We stand for sovereignty and stand for what was signed on December 14.” “We shall continue to uphold the MOU with the GPRN/NSCN. We respect it and we are committed to strengthening it. We are happy that in the coming days administrative reforms shall also be discussed for better coordination between GPRN/NSCN and NNC.”
He said that they are not party to the NNC led by Adino because they have compromised the Naga political process by signing the Shillong Accord. The formation of the NSCN and the break-up of the NNC was a result of that signing and till now, he said the NNC from the eastern region of Nagaland are against it, he said. The NNC led by Dr. Senka “are a political organization committed to finding a solution to the Indo-Naga political issue and therefore we have signed the MOU with GPRN/NSCN on 14th December 2010”, he said. “Naga sovereignty is our birthright, we shall never compromise on this fact.”
