DIMAPUR — Hundreds of people took part in the public demonstration organised by the Diphupar Village Council (DVC) on Saturday ‘Against continued taxation, extortion, kidnapping and threats against citizens and their leaders’.

The demonstration started at the Airport junction, passed through the Green Park junction and ended at the gate of Agri Expo in Chümoukedima, where leaders of various village organisations in Diphupar and others addressed the gathering.

The DVC also adopted a resolution which was later submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima through a memorandum.

The public meeting was held in response to the recent incident in which one Kahovi Chishi, claiming to be a cadre of one of the Naga political groups, threatened the chairman of the Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation (DNYO) and civilians with firearms.

He was later arrested and is currently under police guard.

In his address, DVC Chairman Ghuzui Shohe lamented that Nagaland has become a land of taxes where 25-26 factions, claiming to fight for the cause of Nagas, spare no one, from small shops to contractors. “And now they have started threatening with guns,” he said.

Shohe also announced that the accused has been expelled from Diphupar village for his anti-social activities. He further warned that if anyone from the village is involved in anti-social activities that disrupt the peaceful life, he or she will be expelled.

Kikheto Sumi, advisor to DNYO, said the public felt compelled to take to the streets to express their outrage over the ongoing illegal taxes and extortion by various Naga political groups (NPGs).

DNYO President T Molungba Ao asked which faction is really fighting for the freedom of the Naga. He reminded that real freedom fighters should not go around threatening civilians with guns or indulge in anti-social activities.

He stressed the need for Naga unity but also lamented that the Nagas were becoming increasingly divided and were forming factions among themselves.

Khriezovonuo Zumvü, chairperson of the Diphupar Naga Women Organisation (DNWO), condemned the threats and intimidation of village leaders and citizens and warned that the DNWO is ready to tackle such anti-social elements in the society.

Diphupar Naga Students Union (DNSU) president Lenisang Jamir said “no individual in a civilised society should live in fear of his life” and that threats not only attack the victims but also the principles of freedom, security and respect.

‘Naga political organisation is not an employment industry’

Former Naga Hoho President HK Zhimomi recalled that the Naga political movement emerged out of the sincere desire of the Nagas to be independent and free from India.

He said that while there are 26 NPGs in the state, the Naga people recognise only a few groups that are truly committed to the Naga nation.

He alleged that some ‘self-styled groups’ with their own assigned ranks are harming the Naga national movement and appealed to such groups not to ‘unnecessarily disturb’ those who are genuinely struggling for Naga political freedom.

“Naga political organisations are not an employment industry. Don’t join the group just for employment,” he said.

He appealed to the Nagas not to think of joining any faction just to earn money. It should be a voluntary task to fight for the cause of the Nagas.

He further urged all citizens to remain united and work together with the village leaders so that together they can tackle any problem.

Sovima village chairman Sebastian Zumvü lamented the sufferings of the entire Naga people due to some anti-social elements.

The Indian government has signed a ceasefire agreement with the factions but not with the Naga people. Though the Indian government is happy, the Naga people are still suffering from the situation, he said.

Zumvü appealed to the Indian government to uphold the basic rules of the ceasefire. He said that the state would face problems such as threats and extortion only if the basic rules were followed in letter and spirit.

Solidarity speeches were also delivered by Tia Longchar, chairperson of Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation; Wekupe Therie, chairperson of Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation; Seyietuo Yashu, social secretary of Angami Youth Organisation and others.

DVC memorandum to DC Chümoukedima

– Resolved that the perpetrator should be prosecuted strictly under the National Security Act, 1980.

– Resolved that we strongly oppose the granting of bail in order to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and to protect public safety. Any group or individual guilty of granting bail to the offender will be held responsible for any undesirable consequences.

– Resolved that the undersigned strongly oppose the carrying of firearms in public places within the jurisdiction of Diphupar village.

– Resolved that we reaffirm our position in favour of adopting a policy of ‘one government, one tax’, which would bring tax collection and administration under a single government agency, thereby simplifying the tax system and improving economic efficiency.

– Resolved to strictly observe the terms of the armistice, both in letter and spirit.

– Resolved that Kahovi Chishi will be expelled from the village of Diphupar immediately.