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GPRN/NSCN alleges tax collection from poor people |
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DIMAPUR, JAN 13 (EMN): At a time when entire Nagas, including National workers, are trying to build a bridge to walk on common ground, a group of misguided
Lothas at Hebron Camp, calling themselves Kyong Region, are continually issuing directives to the Lotha people, exhibiting criminal mentality and intent and collecting tax at Merapani area along Assam-Nagaland border even from families rearing just a chicken, ducks, dogs, goats, pigs, chairman, GPRN/NSCN, Lotha Region, Zaremo John Lotha alleged in a release. It said even a small amount of dried fish belonging to a poor fisherman heading towards the market is not spared.
Joseph Lotha and Opong H, the so-called Lotha Region CAO and secretary respectively, should not be allowed to hold Wokha town as well as Lotha people at ransom, GPRN said.
Questioning as to how could the Lothas allow these petty criminals to monitor public institutions that function smoothly throughout the year, Zaremo urged senior Lotha citizens, Lotha Hoho or student activists to ascertain the facts.
“Accusing me of collecting tax at gunpoint is unlikely since my job is not to collect tax. I go to my people with respect and pride. I belong to Lotha community and therefore at any point of time I can go to Lotha Region. I do not coerce anyone for territorial or monetary gain because my only desire is to see all Nagas coming together in unity and reconciliation,” he said.
While the rest of the Nagas are steadily but surly inching towards a common ground through unity and reconciliation, Lotha people are still being misled and threatened by these “renegades” who have little or no respect for the Naga reconciliation process.
Zaremo appealed to the Lotha people to remain vigilant against these elements who are trying to keep the Lothas divided and confused.
“We have a proud history behind us. Let none belittle us,” he added.
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