Tall claim - Peace Hanging ! NSCN (IM) justifies 'tax collection', claims even Govt of India 'representatives' agree on this

Just as the peace talks have been put on fast track lately, this statement from the militant group NSCN (IM) can only trigger new debates.

"Collection of taxes by a government from its citizen is a legitimate right and it is nothing illegal at all. Even the representatives of the Government of India who are engaged in political dialogue with NSCN leaders recognize this right," the NSCN (IM) said in a statement on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Here the word 'government' is for NSCN(IM) !!

Late Isak Chishi Swu and 'powerful' Muivah

However, it said, "But the GPRN (the organisation) is opposed to extortions and excesses if ever committed by the collectors. That is the area the government (GPRN) has to deal with strong hands".

It said - "The NSCN (IM) focuses on issues and we can say we have made commendable achievements to some extend on vital issues of both internal and external affairs (matters). We are not new to the restlessness of critics and adversaries trying to smear NSCN's image in the eye of the world with destructive scheme of things.

In principle, we run our government and conduct affairs of the state on the basis of collective decision-making culture. For any matter of national importance, the Collective Leadership consisting of the Yaruiwo (President), the Kedallo (Vice-president) and the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) always consults the Members of the Collective Leadership, the Convener of the Steering Committee and the Kilonser (Minister) of the Kilo (Home) Affairs. On security related matters, the Longvibu (Chief) of the Naga Army is consulted."

The statement also said the NSCN (IM) has put on record to assert that a number of devious plans had been executed by the adversaries to murder the Naga national issue, but the Naga people survived by His grace from all the attempts and God willing we shall survive in the future too. 

The Naga peace parleys which began in 1997 was recently put on a fast track with the formation of an all-party panel comprising members from all parties in the Nagaland assembly.

In the past, state Governor R N Ravi has condemned 'extortion' in strongest term.