Dimapur civil society meets NSCN (IM) top leadership;
NSCN (IM) admit shortcomings on the taxation front;
Proposed June 10 bandh kept in abeyance for few days
DIMAPUR, JUNE 8 (MExN): Members of Dimapur’s civil society and business community interacted with the top leadership of NSCN (IM), including the Steering Committee members and Council of Kilonsers on June 8. This was informed in a press note issued by Ntsemo Ngullie, Convenor and Solomon L. Awomi, Secretary Action Committee.
It was informed that during the marathon meeting, the grievances of the public on taxation, namely, multiple taxation system, dealership system and the points raised in the memorandum submitted to the Collective Leadership were aired.
The Action Committee pointed out that on the subject of multiple taxation and dealership, “none of the leaders addressed the issue directly”. It was informed that no clear-cut solution could be arrived at, though NSCN (IM) asked for more time to study the matter. The NSCN (IM) leaders nevertheless pointed out that as a people mandated revolutionary group they have the right to tax people.
As such, in the interest of both the parties, the Action Committee has decided to keep in abeyance for a few days the proposed bandh on June 10, as NSCN IM leaders expressed its inability to find solutions in such a short period. In the meantime, both consumers and businessmen have been requested to be patient.
It was pointed out that though the NSCN-IM sympathized with civil society, “their leaders expressed their inability to give their commitment at the moment, the taxation issue being vast and invariably connected with the larger Naga movement”.
The press note from the Action Committee noted that the “NSCN leaders admitted their shortcomings on the taxation front”. “In other words, indiscipline of cadres in revenue collection is adding to taxation woes,” it added. It was also informed that AZ Jami, a senior NSCN (IM) leader had “surmised that perhaps only 50% of the tax collected is being submitted to NSCN IM coffers”.
According to the press note, the NSCN leaders also rued the fact that the taxation issue raised by civil society and highlighted in the media has been internationalized “which therefore may be detrimental to Naga aspirations vis-à-vis its negotiation with India.”
The meeting with the NSCN (IM) leaders was attended by representatives of the Naga Council, NWHD, DCCI, Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce & Industries (CCCI), East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA), DNSU, YAN, GB Union, Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Consumer Society Dimapur District (CSDD), Senior Citizen’s Forum and members of The Naga Blog (TNB).
