EMN
Dimapur, February 1
Following complaints of arbitrary, exorbitant and unjustified taxation demand by NSCN (IM) from its members, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has requested its members not to pay any kind of taxes unless the popular demand of ‘one government one tax’ is achieved. The BAN reiterated its request as per its earlier resolution and in the interest of Naga entrepreneurs while taking into account the demand of the masses.A release issued by the media cell of BAN said it attended an emergency meeting called by ACAUT upon receiving complaints from its members today and was shocked to learn that demand note of Rs 60,000 each was being issued to Naga entrepreneurs, irrespective of the volume of businesses, asking them to pay the amount within three days.
Quoting the Naga entrepreneurs, the BAN said they objected to their (NSCN-IM) demands saying they will abide by the people’s resolution passed in October 31 ACAUT rally to pay only after “one tax one government is realized”. However, they were asked to come to different locations, and in one instance a Naga entrepreneur out of fear had to shell out Rs 30,000 after negotiation, it stated.
As per the ACAUT resolution, the BAN has appealed to all its members to submit taxation/ demand notes received by them at Naga Council office or Dimapur Naga Students Union office or contact ACAUT’s grievances cell at 8974761098.
It further appealed to all the Naga political groups to listen to the voices of the people, saying in this age of information and technology there is heighten sense of awareness among the general masses and for everybody’s sake old ways must be amended.
The BAN also urged the State government to protect and give a sense of security to its citizens rather than be mute spectator to the sufferings of the public.
ACAUT dismayed
The ACAUT expressed dismay to learn that first generation Naga business people have been served demand notice to pay ‘monstrous amounts of tax’ by the NSCN (IM).
The media cell of ACAUT, in a release today, said around 10 shops in Ertiga Complex, NL Road, Dimapur, were issued “Information Slip” asking the proprietors to pay Rs 60,000 each by the NSCN (IM), completely ignoring the fact that Naga people have resolved not to pay tax as per the 31st October public resolution.
