• ‘Public Awareness Rally’ to be held as scheduled on October 31
• ACAUT requests NSCN (IM) to extend co-operation for the rally
• ACAUT appeals to Indian government to immediately stop provocation
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 29 (MExN): The Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) has stated that the “cry of the common man being undeniable,” the ‘Public Awareness Rally’ will be held as scheduled on October 31 and has “requested” the NSCN (IM) to extend co-operation for the rally. This was stated in a press note issued by the Media Cell, ACAUT. It may be mentioned that the NSCN (IM) had taken a decision to “disallow” the rally.
In this regard, the ACAUT has clarified to the NSCN (IM) that it is not against the Naga political solution or the Naga movement. “It is not opposed to any of the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) as is being made out nor is it against any organisation and individual,” it stated. However, the ACAUT is “against a system which has diluted the peoples mandated movement of its sheen and mass support much to the dismay and angst of the Naga people.” “Time and again, ACAUT has reiterated that multiple and unabated taxation has done nothing but harmed the interest of the Naga people and the common man.”
Further, according to ACAUT, “unabated taxation is affecting every strata of society and consequently the emotional appeal of the Naga movement for sovereignty is being undermined.” In that, the ACAUT has merely appealed “to the leaderships of the NPGs to rein in wayward cadres and put its house in order.”
The ACAUT has also mentioned about the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on August 30, asking the State Government “to set its house in order too, namely the illegal collections by police and other departments, the DMC imbroglio, the issue of illegal immigrants and corruption in developmental works, etc.” The press note stated that the State Government refused to acknowledge this despite time extension on expiry of the ultimatum. “The ACAUT was left with no choice but to announce the go ahead with its programme on October 31.”
The ACAUT stated that it “sincerely wishes that an honourable political solution is found for the Naga nation,” and also told “the Indian government and its paramilitary forces that it strongly condemns interference in matters which are purely the internal kitchen matters of the Naga family.” “That the Assam Rifles chose to take advantage of family dispute and surround Hebron Camp is most condemnable and an act of betrayal. This action has jeopardized the job of the ACAUT and periled the lives of its members for which the Assam Rifles shall be responsible,” stated the ACAUT and appealed to the Indian government that “in the interest of peace, this provocation be stopped immediately.”