Naga students urge NSCN-IM to stop 'tax collection'

A student body has urged the NSCN-IM to stop its unlawful "tax collection" from various educational departments in Arunachal Pradesh.

At a meeting with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), the Arunachal Naga Students Federation (ANSF) said the tax collection was creating hurdles in the development of education in many districts, according to an ANSF statement.

The ANSF pointed out that the tax collection by NSCN-IM in three economically and socially backward districts of the state -- Tirap, Changlang and Longding -- ha led to financial problems in the operation of several schools and colleges.

"This appeal got necessitated due to problems faced by the teaching staff, department's officers and authorities of schools and colleges in Tirap, Changlang and Longding. Not just that, the lives of the upcoming youths is also getting ruined due to lack of education," the statement addd.

According to the ANSF, Tirap, Changlang and Longding were economically weak districts where poor parents cannot afford to send their wards to schools that charge more.

In spite of being rich in natural resources, these three districts are economically and socially-deprived. They are also considered to be housing camps of extremist groups such as National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Khaplang and United Liberation Front of Assam.

--IANS

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