The much talk about of extortion prevalent in Nagalim and the recent statement of Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen, terming the taxation by the Naga National workers as extortion, needs proper introspection on the issue to clear from misunderstanding by the general public. Without taxation no government could survive or run its administration. It is mandatory and binding on the part of every citizen to pay tax to their government. It is not collected through coercion or threat. Involvement of threat perception is not taxation but tantamount to extortion, which is carried out by the anti-people or law breaker.
Like any other governments, the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) has been collecting taxes from various business communities and citizens to run its administration and judiciously utilize it to meet expenditures involved in the struggle against the occupation of external forces on its territory. The NSCN/GPRN never collected taxes through threat or coercion. It is the willingness on the part of people to contribute his or her share to the government brought the national struggle movement thus far. The NSCN/GPRN is the mandated government of the Naga people to liberate from the Indian and Myanmar domination in every aspect of life.
Terming the NSCN/GPRN taxation as extortion is tantamount to rejection of the very existence of Naga Nation and denial of its rights as an entity among the nations. Thus it is unfortunate on the part of Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen trying to drag the Naga nationalist as anti-social elements which is nothing but denial of his own self as a Naga. Mr. Imchen may disown his statement and clarify his stand on the protracted Naga movement. He may also point out clearly who the underground factions are carrying out extortion.
The NSCN/GPRN maintains its uncompromising position very clear that no authority on earth can stop it from realising taxes from the people. Further, it warns of any individual or groups indulging in extortions impersonating the NSCN/GPRN shall invite serious consequences.
MIP/GPRN
NSCN/GPRN
