Braving rains, thousands of Nagaland residents converged at the state capital today in a powerful demonstration against unabated illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation, and death threats issued by Naga Political Groups (NPGs). The protest, organized by the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) at the Old MLA junction, Kohima, aimed to draw attention to the plight of citizens who have been subjected to extortion and intimidation despite the existing ceasefire agreements between the NPGs and the Government of India.
AYO leaders highlighted a recent incident where a local contractor received a “capital punishment” threat from the NSCN Khango group for resisting forced taxation. AYO asserted that this incident is just the tip of the iceberg, with many such cases remaining unreported.
Joining the rally were youth leaders from the Ao, Chakhesang, Lotha, Pochury, Sumi, and Zeliangrong Naga communities who delivered passionate speeches. Solidarity messages were also shared by representatives of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Business Association of Nagas (BAN), and the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI).
Following the rally, a memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan. The memorandum stressed how the actions of the NPGs violate the Ceasefire Ground Rules, which were mutually agreed upon by the Government of India and various Naga groups to prevent disruption of economic and developmental activities. Despite these agreements, extortion and forcible collection of money have continued, causing severe economic strain and leading to skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.
Protestors called on the Government of India to enforce the ceasefire ground rules rigorously and ensure that armed groups comply. They also urged the State Government to take immediate measures to protect its citizens and assert its authority in cases of coercion. Specific demands included confining armed cadres to designated camps and banning their movement with arms in civilian areas.
“The intentional abrogation of the ceasefire rules by the GPRN/NSCN Khango group by way of issuing death threats and openly intimidating the common people is not only a violation of the ceasefire norms but also a violation of human rights. We demand that the Ceasefire Monitoring Group immediately take befitting action against this group if it fails to take corrective measures,” stated AYO in their memorandum.
AYO warned that continued inaction could lead to widespread civil unrest as public frustration with the armed cadres grows. They urged the Ceasefire Monitoring Group to consider abrogating the ceasefire with any group that persists in violating the ground rules and to strictly enforce the National Security Act of 1980 against offenders.
Today’s demonstration in Kohima marks a significant moment for Nagaland, as citizens from diverse backgrounds unite to demand peace, security, and adherence to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, was called on by, IPS, IG, CRPF, Manipur and Nagaland Sector, Dr Vipul Kumar and, DIG(Ops), CRRF Kohima, Manish Kumar Sachar at Raj Bhavan Kohima today.
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