Kohima: August has become a month of deep reflection for residents of Nagaland. In 2015, millions of Nagas received a ray of hope following the signing of the Framework Agreement, hoping that the Naga political issue, which has been a contentious issue since the 1940s, would reach an acceptable end. Yet, nine years later, they are not only far from it, but now are dealing with rogue elements masquerading as Naga political groups. The people who claim to ‘protect’ Nagas now seem to be solely focused on extracting as much money as possible from civilians.
The state, once again, is witnessing mass protests following the death threat issued by NSCN-K (Khango) against an Angami contractor. The threat has brought to the forefront the persistent issue of illegal taxation and intimidation in Nagaland.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage, highlighting the delicate balance between the fight for Naga’s political autonomy and the fundamental rights and safety of its citizens.
The Angami Youth Organisation, spearheading the proposed mass rally on August 6, declared non-cooperation with the NSCN-K Khango, the group that issued the death threat, until the matters were resolved. In addition, the tribal youth body reaffirmed a standing resolution of the Angami Public Organisation (APO), the apex body of the Angami Nagas, taken in 1993, that Angamis would not entertain the taxation of any Naga national groups until they merge.
This historical resolution highlights the longstanding issue of multiple taxation by various Naga political groups, which has only intensified over the past three decades. In 2024, the proliferation of these groups has exacerbated the burden on the people.
Who do Naga groups protect Nagas from?
The Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG), Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Bedi (Retd), clarified that only five Naga political groups entered into a ceasefire with the Government of India (GoI). These groups include the NSCN (IM) in 1997, NSCN (U) in 2012, NSCN (R) in 2015, NSCN-K (Khango) in 2019, and NSCN-K (Nikki) in 2021.
Besides the NSCN-IM, the other NSCN groups renew the ceasefire agreements annually in Delhi. Besides, the GoI signed a Framework Agreement (FA) with the NSCN-IM in 2015, and an Agreed position (AP) with the 7 NNPGs in 2017.
The landscape of Naga political groups is complex, with a rough estimate totalling about 24 groups, including variants of the NSCN and NNCs.
NSCN Isak, NSCN Akato, NSCN Kitovi, NSCN Angmai, NSCN YA, NNC/FGN, NNC/GPRN, NNC/GDRN, NNC Accordist, NNC Toshi Walling group, NNC Royim group, NNC T Ovung group, NNC/FGN Thinuosielie, NNC/FGN T Rhakho, NNC/UNGP, NNC Mhathung, NNC Senka, NNC/PB, and ZUF.
And when there are so many groups to ‘protect’ Nagas, it often becomes difficult to understand who they are protecting the Nagas from.
Take the example of the recent death threat against an Angami contractor by the NSCN-K Khango. This struggle is not new. A mass movement began a decade ago with the formation of the Action Committee Against Unabated Illegal Taxation (ACAUT) in 2013, which championed the slogan “One Government, One Tax.”
In the words of Khekiye K Sema, a retired IAS officer, the AYO’s recent actions in picking up the flag where ACAUT had left off feel like “another breath of fresh air”. Sema, in a recent op-ed published in Nagaland Post, recalled how his generation vividly recalls the history of the Naga National Movement when a ‘life and death’ physical confrontation with the Indian Army had begun, starting from mid-1956.
“It was then a remarkable collective journey of honour for the Nagas. Despite village after village being gutted and raised to the ground; despite ruthless inhuman cruelty being inflicted upon the populace with unimaginable savagery by the Indian Army, the general Naga population unwaveringly stood behind our ragtag National workers. Despite their ill-equipped and desperate need for arms and ammunition and even ration for their survival, our first-generation national workers still generally kept taxation to the limits the masses were able to bear. It was because of such pragmatic understanding and devotional sense of real nationalism, therefore, our first generation National workers were looked upon as heroes and highly respected down to a sepoy,” the retired officer wrote.
To him, the contrast between the past and the present is stark. This transition, he said, is like night and day.
‘Nothing Naga or National about their conduct’
“While our generation’s workers lived in makeshift shelters out in the open jungles, today the majority of our middle and upper echelons ‘national workers’ are living in comfort zones flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. There is no recognisable laid down system of taxation; there is nothing National in the manner of their tax collection other than the sovereignty threat at gunpoint; Every next member of any given Factions is a ‘Sovereignty tax collector’ out to construct their individual ‘sovereignty house’, buy their individual ‘sovereignty vehicle’ and more,” Sema minced no words as he wrote.
On Saturday, CFMG chairman Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Bedi (Retd) told journalists that the NSCN-K Khango group responded to its queries on August 31, acknowledging that their group “functions purely on voluntary contributions.”
It is well-known among Nagas that Naga Political Groups make such collections under the guise of royalty tax collections. The question that arises is: how much is too much?
The NSCN-K Khango’s recent statement revealed that the contractor contributed “only Rs 5 lakh” to the group for undertaking five projects in Nagaland. The group has reportedly imposed a death penalty if the contractor fails to pay more within a specified timeframe.
This situation echoes claims made by the Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union (NCSU), where local contractors reported paying up to 43% in various seen and unseen taxes out of the total value of a work order. These taxes encompass GST, payments to Naga political groups, state government officials, politicians, and forest taxes, among others.
NCSU president Pele Khezhie substantiated the claims stating that in 2016, a study was conducted by a committee set up by the state government headed by HK Sema. The committee found out that 43% of the funds meant for the execution of the projects were spent on seen and unseen taxes.
The senior contractor acknowledged that the high rate of taxes becomes a contributing factor in the delivery of poor workmanship. In 2023, contractors were receiving letters from at least 18 factions.
Irked by the recent death penalty threat, the Angami Students’ Union stated, “Whereas we supremely honour the sacrifices of our national workers and revere their commitment to the Naga cause, it is the dastardly act of few individuals or groups such as the GPRN/NSCN Khango group that tarnishes the very fabric of a nation-building revolutionary entities. The union does not shy away from endorsing the responsibility of every Naga to contribute towards the cause of a free Naga nation; however, such contribution should never be under ‘Forced taxation’ or under the threat of Capital Punishment.”
The student body noted that throughout the Naga political struggle, the Naga people, with or without enrolling in the Naga revolutionary groups, have equally sacrificed and contributed to the Naga cause.
“Yet, the Khango group intimidating the Angami Youth Organization is no less than denouncing the supreme sacrifices of our community towards the Naga political issue. It is immensely saddening that the Khango group is lacking efficient leaders who understand the essence of humanity and have notably forgotten the basic principles of being a freedom fighter,” the frustrated student body said.
Sure enough, many Naga tribes have come forward to condemn the incident.
For AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu, “Enough is enough”. He recently told journalists that public frustration is mounting and a day may not be far when citizens might take up arms to combat the menace.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Tuesday’s rally is expected to see a gathering of hundreds, if not thousands of Nagas voicing against illegal multiple taxation and death threats by Naga insurgent groups.
“It’s now up to the younger generation, not only AYO but from every Tribe, to stand up together for their collective future and be counted. Only a united stand can produce a tangible result. Expecting the State Government of Nagaland to protect the rights of its citizens is like asking the river to flow upstream,” Sema wrote.
Also Read | Why a Naga group issued ‘death penalty’ to an Angami contractor
You just read a story that took days to report. Help us keep our reporters on the ground in the Northeast.
Ad-free reading, support and keep important stories alive
Support once (any amount)
Scan to pay via UPI