Lahe, October 7 (MExN): A public gathering in Lahe, Eastern Nagaland, has resolved that no Naga faction or organisation should independently collect taxes or demand contributions from households, shops, markets or individuals, and has called for a proper, agreed channel for voluntary contributions.
The meeting, held on September 13, 2026, at the Naga Cultural Hall in Lahe, was convened in response to the difficulties faced by the people due to multiple taxation demands, extortion, and the activities of different Naga factions. It was attended by representatives and members of Naga Students' Organization (NSO), Tribal Hohos, and the Naga Traditional Literature and Cultural Committee, stated a press release issued by President, NSO and Chairman, Naga Traditional, Literature and Cultural Committee, Lahe.
The gathering reaffirmed the position previously declared by the NSO and the people of Eastern Naga Land in a joint press statement on June 13, 2023, which stated in Point No. 2: “No partition or formation of new factions in Eastern Nagaland, Myanmar.”
The participants expressed their position that the people do not recognise or encourage the proliferation of new factions formed in front of the present generation. They stated that the political position is to remain committed to the established Naga authorities and organizations that existed before the present generation, while acknowledging that the history and status of organizations that predate the present generation are a separate matter requiring due consideration.
The gathering also took note of the new declaration of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – People's Republic of Nagaland (NSCN-PRN), published on September 10, 2026, and signed by Joseph Naga, which stated that the organisation had been formed in Myanmar.
“In this regard, the NSO and the participating members of the gathering would like to state that we have no established information regarding the organization's movement or activities in Myanmar, and that its presence and activities are unknown to us,” it said.
The gathering made its political position clear that it would not recognise or encourage the further formation of new Naga factions in Myanmar, particularly in Eastern Nagaland.
The meeting resolved that no faction or organisation should independently approach homes, shops, markets, or individuals to impose taxes or demand contributions. Instead, the people should be allowed to make voluntary contributions through a proper and agreed channel, with a designated committee or authorised mechanism responsible for collecting and forwarding those contributions to the appropriate authorities.
“The participants emphasised that the Naga national movement has historically depended upon the voluntary support and contributions of the people. Therefore, the principle of voluntary contribution should continue to guide the relationship between the people and the Naga national movement,” it stated.
The gathering respectfully called upon all concerned Naga National organisations and factions to respect the decision of the people, refrain from the direct or coercive collection of taxes or contributions, and cooperate with a proper system of voluntary contribution through an agreed channel.
The participants further reaffirmed their position against the proliferation of new factions in Eastern Naga Land and called upon all concerned to respect the people's desire for political unity, an orderly taxation system, and voluntary public contribution.
“We also encourage all the different Naga National groups to unite and establish under one umbrella for the greater cause of our National movement,” it said.
The declaration is intended to reduce the burden and difficulties faced by the Naga people while preserving the principle of voluntary public support for the Naga national cause, the declaration asserted.
