The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) spearheaded a significant public rally in Kohima today, drawing hundreds of participants from various youth organizations, associations, and communities. The rally aimed to voice strong opposition to rampant illegal taxation, harassment, intimidation, and death threats allegedly perpetrated by Naga Political Groups (NPGs). AYO President Kesosul Christopher Ltu addressed the gathering, highlighting the fragmentation within Naga society that has led to widespread exploitation and threats against the public. Ltu stated, “While the AYO is a civil organization, it will not hesitate to protect its people if necessary.” He reminded attendees that the original Naga nationalist movement was not intended for taxation and extortion.
Ltu also brought attention to a recent death threat against an Angami contractor, which sparked public outrage. He emphasized that most contributions to the NPGs are made under duress and demanded that groups engaging in such practices be prosecuted under the National Security Act. Following the rally, AYO leaders submitted a memorandum to Nagaland Governor La Ganesan. Signed by AYO President Kesosul Christopher Ltu and General Secretary Neidilhoutuo Sechü, the memorandum cited recent threats, including a “capital punishment” warning issued to a local contractor by the NSCN-K Khango group, currently under a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.
The AYO warned of potential civil unrest if these issues are not addressed and demanded strict enforcement of the ceasefire rules, protection for citizens, and the immediate cessation of extortion and intimidation by armed groups. They also called for the confinement of armed cadres to designated camps and an end to their activities in civilian areas, as stipulated by the Ceasefire Ground Rules (CFGR). The memorandum urged immediate action against the NSCN-K Khango group for violating ceasefire norms. It demanded the withdrawal of the death threat and directives to contractors and suggested that continued violations should result in the abrogation of the ceasefire with the offending group and legal action under the National Security Act of 1980.
Representatives from the Chakhesang, Lotha, Pochury, Sumi, Zeliangrong, and Ao tribes delivered short speeches, while solidarity messages were shared by representatives of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), Business Association of Nagaland (BAN), and Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI).
