Phek, January 11 (MExN): The Phek Town Public Forum (PTPF) has announced that the people of Phek Town will put 'on hold' all forms of taxation imposed by multiple Naga Political Groups (NPGs) with effect from 2026, citing the excessive burden on the public due to the proliferation of groups.
The forum further conveyed that until all NPGs come together under a single national platform and one government, the people of Phek Town will not pay tax to any faction.
Justifying its stance in a public statement issued in the interest of citizens and stakeholders, the PTPF said it has been functioning as a town-based civil society organisation mandated by the people of Phek Town, assisting the district administration and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace, harmony and public order in the district headquarters.
Recalling earlier years, the PTPF stated that only a few NPGs, including the NNC-FGN, were present in Phek Town, and that citizens, led by the forum, extended support to national workers through various forms of contribution.
To prevent multiple taxation, all collections were routed through a common pool, with the PTPF entrusted to ensure fairness among the NPGs, while national workers cooperated in maintaining peace and tranquillity, it pointed out.
However, the forum noted that the situation has changed in recent years, with the number of factions increasing to more than 30, resulting in what it described as “excessive and unbearable taxation” on the public.
Taking note of the hardship faced by citizens, the PTPF convened a meeting recently with representatives of 17 NPGs and conveyed the decision.
“During the meeting, the PTPF explicitly made it clear that, with effect from 2026, the people of Phek Town will put on hold all taxation to multiple factions,” the statement asserted.
The decision is in line with the standing resolution of the Chakhesang Public Organisation and the consistent stand of various civil society organisations and tribal hohos advocating the principle of “one government, one tax,” it added.
The PTPF further cautioned that if any NPGs attempt to disturb peace and tranquillity in the town, the public will not cooperate with such groups and will take appropriate public action as deemed necessary.
