The Government of Naga National Council – Democratic Socialist Republic of Nagaland (GNNC-DSRN) has called on the Naga public to stop paying taxes to Naga political groups, questioning whether the various organisations collecting money in the name of the Naga national cause are genuinely working for the people.
In a statement issued on November 10, the GNNC-DSRN alleged that taxation by multiple Naga political groups had placed an increasing financial burden on ordinary households and businesses, while questioning the lifestyles of those claiming to represent the Naga national movement.
Contrasting present-day national workers with earlier Naga freedom fighters, the organisation said that during the initial years of the Naga National Council (NNC), collections were limited to house tax and contributions towards Naga Army rations. It maintained that additional financial requirements were discussed and approved through meetings with village authorities.
Questioning the accumulation of wealth among present-day national workers, it alleged that several groups had emerged primarily for financial gain rather than the Naga cause. It urged the public to stop paying taxes and challenge the groups to demonstrate their commitment through sacrifice.
The organisation also raised allegations of corruption in government departments, claiming that percentage deductions from contractors, along with multiple taxation by different groups, had contributed to poor infrastructure and increased costs for consumers.
It specifically sought clarification from the Nagaland Government over an alleged Rs 185 crore under grants to excluded areas for rural local bodies during 2017–2018, claiming that the amount had not reached the respective blocks. It called for an investigation by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The statement further alleged that complaints relating to corruption submitted to the Lokayukta in Kohima had not received appropriate action, accusing the institution of remaining silent in coordination with concerned departments.
On taxation, the GNNC-DSRN declared that Nagas should be exempted from paying taxes, while stating that its government would collect taxes from all non-Naga contractors, business establishments and individuals earning in Nagaland. It also questioned why Nagas should pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Government of India, maintaining that Nagas had never been part of India.
The organisation called for the implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), stating that only indigenous people should participate in the system and that non-indigenous people should leave Nagaland.
Reiterating its position on the Naga political issue, the GNNC-DSRN expressed support for the 1951 Plebiscite and maintained that those who participated in it were genuine Nagas.
It also appealed to villages, churches, student organisations and civil society groups to question the use of public funds and demand accountability in government projects. Calling for collective action against corruption, it urged the younger generation to take a leading role in building what it described as a Nagaland founded on honesty, dignity and self-respect.
The statement concluded with a warning that the organisation would not tolerate corruption, illegal collection, commissions, deductions or misuse of power by any civil organisation, government official, department or authority, declaring that those found involved would face action.