DIMAPUR, JANUARY 20 (MExN): The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Saturday distanced away from a statement purportedly made by Lok Sabha MP TokhehoYepthomi on January 19.
In a press statement, NDPP Media & Communication Committee put on record that the statement made by MP Tokheho that “I wish the GoI do away with Article 371(A)” is neither the view nor the opinion of the party or its leadership.
“The NDPP stands firm in our commitment to protect the rights and privileges of the people of Nagaland by upholding and safeguarding all the provisions under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India,” it stated.
The NDPP further put on record that at a time when the Indo-Naga political settlement is at its crucial stage, there should be no dilution to Article 371(A), but rather it should be further strengthened in order to ensure a more permanent protection of our traditional customary practices along with safeguarding of our land and resources.
It called upon all stake holders to stand united in our common agenda of protecting our rights and privileges for the future of our people.
MP Tokheho, during a book launch at St Joseph University, Chümoukedima in front of an audience of students and others had made the statement while lamenting that Nagaland despite completing 60 years is one of the poorest states in the country with no resources of its own.
The MP, in his speech, which was highlighted in Hornbill TV wished the “GoI do away with Article 371(A) so that we can develop our state at par with the rest of other states in the country.”
He was also of the opinion that there should be nominal taxation on commercial buildings.
“I am of the opinion that in view of Article 371 (A), there should not be taxation on land and on residential. But at least commercial building, there should be a nominal taxation to start with so that we can catch up other people in other states,” he stated.
Tokheho, at the same time, alleged that politicians were playing dirty games by telling the people to protect Article 371 (A) so that they won’t have to pay taxes for their wealth and properties.
“I am also a politician, today I want to be very frank. Politicians use to play dirty games. They are telling the poor people that we must protect Article 371 (A) and there should not be taxation. If there is no taxation, their hidden wealth will not be declared. But once taxation is there, everything will be transparent…” he stated.
The MP later told the news channel, that “he did not mean that it should be removed but our people are misusing this Article 371 (A).”
“It should be used only for a specific purpose but our people are using this Article 371 (A) on all issues. That’s why I am saying that instead of misusing this and hampering the developments, it is better not to have,” he went on to state.
