Kohima: Insurgent groups in Nagaland are known to issue warnings and threats from time to time. But even by Nagaland standards, what the NSCN-K (Khango) did recently has sparked outrage among civilians tired of intimidation, and promoted youth bodies to declare non-cooperation with the Naga political group.
After the insurgent group ‘imposed’ a death penalty threat on a contractor, Kesosul Christopher Ltu, president, Angami Youth Organisation, said the incident was an eye-opener for the Nagas as it reveals the state’s illegal taxation menace.
He informed that the issue traced back to July 20, 2024, when the proprietor of the KKB Rülho was threatened by a cadre of the group to pay money to the group within 15 days or face the death penalty.
He narrated that the contractor, a prominent member of the Angami community, received a call from a member of the NSCN-K (Khango) who identified himself as Max. The AYO received a report from the contractor’s family the next day following which the tribal youth body took up the case.
Ltu informed that a formal meeting between the AYO and the NSCN-K (Khango) represented by its kilo kilonser (Home minister), finance minister and eight others, was held on July 22.
During the meeting, it was learnt that the group leaders were unaware of the cadre identified as Max. The leaders reportedly informed the AYO that the higher authorities have to be consulted to determine the cadre.
Subsequently, on July 24, Ltu informed that the NSCN-K (Khango) had confirmed that the group, after a cabinet meeting, had claimed responsibility stating that their “higher authorities” had assigned the cadre to contact the contractor.
In this regard, Ltu hinted that the higher authorities in an organizational structure, in the rank above a home minister, could point towards the chairman, vice chairman and general secretary.
Besides claiming responsibility, he said that the group had questioned the contribution of the Angami community towards the group, questioning their position in challenging the group’s decision. To this, Ltu said that the AYO reminded the group not to undermine the contributions of the civil societies, churches and the public towards the cause of the Naga struggle.
While a meeting was proposed between the two parties to settle the matter, he said that the NSCN-K (Khango) group failed to respond till July 25 compelling the AYO to convene an emergency presidential meeting on July 27. Over 270 leaders from Angami villages under the four regions- Northern, Southern, Southern and Chakhro attended the meeting.
Reliable sources confirmed that the contractor was identified as Kezhale-o Rülho from Nerhema village.
‘No’ to NSCN-K (Khango)
The AYO questioned what grounds warranted the imposition of capital punishment on the Angami contractor.
While it has “offered an olive branch” to the NSCN-K (Khango) to come forward to sit across the table for discussion at a place in Kohima, the Khango group “failed” to respond positively before the given deadline. In protest, the AYO in its Presidential Council Meeting, resolved to extend non-cooperation to the NSCN (K) Khango group till the matter is resolved between the two parties.
In learning that the death penalty/capital punishment was issued without any valid reason(s), the AYO considered the act of the Khango Group as a direct challenge to the entire Angami community.
They also directed all 18 cadres from the Angami tribe in the NSCN (K) Khango group to disassociate from the group until the matter was resolved. The four ranges under the AYO have been directed to interfere and act accordingly by contacting their respective range members who belong to the Khango group.
The AYO Presidential Council Meeting also reaffirmed the standing resolution of the Angami Public Organisation taken in 1993, that Angamis would not entertain the taxation of any Naga national groups until they merge as one.
Enough is enough
Ltu took the occasion to highlight the persistent issue of illegal taxation by Naga national workers in Nagaland. He warned that public frustration is mounting and a day may not be far when citizens might take up arms to combat the menace.
Despite the tensions, Ltu emphasized that the AYO remains open to dialogue with the NSCN-K (Khango) to resolve the matter. Should the group agree to discussions, the AYO insists that these talks be held within Kohima district.
However, if the group fails to respond, Ltu warned that the AYO would address the issue with the strongest measures, potentially leading to a mass-based movement against the groups.
Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) president Metekhrielie Mejura added that the issue should not be seen as a dispute between an armed and unarmed group. Referring to the adage that pen is mightier than sword, Mejura said that the AYO invites the group to resolve the matter.
He said that the issue of illegal multiple taxation needs to be stopped as it is now beyond bearable for the Naga community.
Rs 5 lakh for 5 projects?
The NSCN-K (Khango), in a statement, responded that the contractor contributed “only Rs 5 lakh” for five projects in Nagaland, despite the group’s ongoing attempts to resolve this issue over the past two years.
The group accused Rülho of questioning its integrity and challenging the government, leading to a warning under its constitution.
Lack of law
Leader of the NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo Nienu, who recently expressed concerns about disturbing trends in Nagaland, told EastMojo that the incident should be strongly condemned. He emphasised that law enforcement agencies must act swiftly to arrest the perpetrators without hesitation.
Nienu highlighted that such incidents highlight the lack of rule of law and pose a direct threat to societal stability.
Suo moto case
Speaking to EastMojo, ADGP (Law and order), Sandeep Tamgadge informed that the Nagaland Police had registered a suo moto case as no individual was ready to file a complaint.
FIR was registered at the North Police station in Kohima under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 30B (5) and 351 (3) and investigations are underway.
Also Read: Unsung heroes of Kargil: Role of the Naga Regiment
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