Interlocutor’s office clarifies

Office of the Government of India Representative & Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, through the OSD has issued a rejoinder to the statement issued by what it described as “a Naga armed organisation, engaged in the peace process.” According to the OSD, “Naga armed organization” had through media, reiterated its “right to collect tax from the people” and also claimed that this right has “also been recognized by the Representative of the government of India, having dialogue with them.” 

While stating that “such an erroneous statement is likely to cause confusion among the people”, OSD reasserted that “taxation is a sovereign function which can be exercised only either by the government of India or the state government.” 

OSD clarified that the Centre “does not recognize any such rights by any other entity” and added that “forcible collection of money by any entity is extortion which is a criminal office punishable under the laws.” OSD also claimed that all “Naga armed organisations engaged in the peace process have given a commitment against such collection.”