Patey Tayum, Founder Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) and Social activist has strongly condemned a purported letter issued by the Government of People’s Republic of Nagaland GPRN-NSCN(K) under the name of Khampai Wangsu ,Incharge -Longding District to the Head of Department in Longding District, demanding 5% from all departments as an annual tax.
Tayum expressed deep concern over the impact of such extortion attempts, stating that government officers posted in the TCL (Tirap, Changlang, and Longding) region are already dedicating their services to the welfare of the people. He emphasized that such illegal demands not only demoralize government employees but also create a negative impact on society.
“As a responsible citizen of the state, I appeal to the Arunachal Pradesh government to take immediate measures to put an end to this tax culture. Our Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, being well-educated and experienced, must take strong action against such illegal activities,” Tayum urged.
According to reliable sources, underground elements have been involved in extortion activities, targeting poor farmers, local business owners, and government officials. Despite the state government establishing a separate department for the development of TCL (DoTCL) and providing special exemptions in jobs for the youth of the region, external interference from anti-social elements has hindered progress in the region.
“As a social activist, I firmly believe that paying such illegal taxes (extortion) will only encourage underground elements to interfere further in state affairs, making it an easy source of income for them,” he added.
Furthermore, Tayum urged underground groups operating from outside the state to restrain their activities, warning that some local anti-social elements might misuse their name to extort money within Arunachal Pradesh.
He called upon the government and security agencies to take strict action to ensure that peace and development prevail in the TCL region, free from the menace of illegal taxation and external interference.
