Dimapur, May 3 (MExN): Unhinged by the traumatic ‘mistaken identity’ shooting where two Sumi student leaders were admittedly shot by “GPRN/ NSCN” cadres, the Naga Hoho today flayed the ever-increasing extortion and so-called “taxes” culture. The Naga Hoho expressed dismay over the unfortunate “mistaken identity” shooting and stated that “such hysterical actions on the part of any individuals/ groups under the guise of freedom movement deserved condemnation by the people at large.”
The hoho expressed amazement to learn that one of the victims had to run for a long distance in search of security personnel for safety. This is highly questionable considering the uptight situation in Dimapur, the Naga apex said. The hoho however said that “notwithstanding, we appreciate the GPRN/NSCN for their straightforwardness in claiming responsibility of the incident and their efforts to help the victims.”
The hoho said: “It is demoralizing to point out that Dimapur has become the target of every organizations be it social or political for collection of taxes and donations from the business community affecting the poor public who ultimately have to bear the brunt of exorbitant rate imposed by the business community on all forms of commodities for recovery of illegal taxes, etc”. The Naga Hoho reiterated the view that “taxes and donations” have diseased the suffering public.
The Naga Hoho pointed out, that “as of now, the voice of the Naga people is for reconciliation and a permanent political settlement.” It however said that “it does not mean that every political groups are given license for domination of territories and elimination of each other so as to collect more taxes from the public which gradually may lead to the breakdown of reconciliation process in the state.”
