Medziphema Sub-division GBs Union (MSGU) has appealed to the ‘under-secretary’ NSCN (I-M) ‘ministry of forest & environment’ on its “inability” to co-operate towards paying revenue for growing and selling pineapples. In a statement, MSGU president K. Izheho Zhimomi and secretary Rokovitso Kuotsu said the petition has reference to the NSCN (I-M)’s functionary’s “verbal remark” to levy ‘tax’ for growing and selling pineapple. The GBs union stated that they were mere farmers growing pineapples for a “seasonal income”.
Contrary to the conclusion that they were exporting pineapple, the union added its members were “never in such export business” except selling them to roadside vendors or nearby markets. MSGU has requested NSCN (I-M) authorities to reconsider “basic grievances” and exempt the people from levying ‘tax’. MSGU also said that the union was formed on Friday at Medziphema Town GBs Court to protect the “rights and status of Nagas”. The union was headed by K. Izheho Zhimomu, head GB as president, Hanjakai Singson and Puho Pusa as vice presidents, Rokovitso Kuotsu GB as secretary, H. Vikato Aye GB as joint secretary and AbeilieVüprü as treasurer for a tenure of 3 years and the meeting was attended by 20 villages, said the statement.