Kohima: Amid reports of alleged tax collection from shops in Dimapur in Nagaland by Naga National political groups (NNPGs), the NSCN-R said that if any person has “demanded tax in the name of NSCN (R)”, the name must be reported in three days from Friday onwards.
A press statement from the NSCN-R MIP said that the group has directed all members not to impose any shop taxes in and around Dimapur town during the pandemic.
This comes as a response to the statement issued by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) which alleged that “some Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) and other elements” are imposing and collecting taxes from business establishments.
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“Hence the NSCN (R) makes our stands clear that at no point of time has the Government deputed/assigned any member to collect taxes, owing to the call of the Lockdown,” it said.
It goes on to say that “if any impostors/con-men/incognitos or perhaps some NSCN (R) cadres without the knowledge of the Authorities had demanded tax in the name of NSCN (R), then the DCCI should immediately report or make known to the NSCN Authorities, within 3 days”.
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The group assured that “stern action(s) will be initiated upon the defaulters as per the Azah”. However, failing to report the defaulters, it said that the NSCN (R) will have no option but to take it as an intentional attempt to tarnish the image of the group.
Reiterating that it will maintain ‘Zero Tolerance’ to any “Cadres or unscrupulous elements who unnecessarily harass the public and taints the image of the NSCN (R)”, it will leave “no stone unturned to thwart any such acts”.
The NSCN(R) will continue to adhere to the Lockdown call and extend Solidarity to the collective fights against this Pandemic. It further warned “any self-interest NSCN members or other impostors who may take advantage during these trying times when people are in the survival mode”.
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