Chümoukedima CSOs condemn illegal taxation; resolve to oppose extortion

Dimapur, Nov. 18 (EMN): The civil society organisations (CSOs) of Chümoukedima district have condemned the rampant collection of illegal taxes in the district, saying that any organisation or individual exploiting the business community on flimsy ground shall be treated as the enemy of the society.

A joint statement by the Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT), Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association (CCCTA), and Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation (CTYO) said that numerous complaints were pouring in about unabated demand, taxation, intimidation and summon letters from the offices of various “national workers”.

It added that some individuals in the garb of national workers were meeting business owners and entrepreneurs on a regular basis, causing untold mental tensions in its jurisdiction.

Condemning such unhealthy practices meted out to its citizens, the CSOs expressed their wish to see the local entrepreneurs compete at with their counterparts from other states, adding that development comes when the economy flourishes.

‘Hence, it is the responsibility and obligation of all the sensible people to encourage them (business persons) by creating a conducive atmosphere for them to bloom,’ read the statement.

The three organisations also ‘resolved to oppose any illegal taxation, demands through intimidation and threat perception, which it said is tantamount to violation of cease fire ground rules’.

“We also instruct the business community to immediately communicate to us of any such instances. We at the same time appeal the Naga national workers to pay respect to the loud cry of the people for “ONE GOVERNMENT, ONE TAX”, the historic resolution adopted on 31st October 2013. We strongly reaffirm to implement in letter and in spirit, the said resolution,” read the statement.

The organisations also cautioned the public to remain alert, saying that antisocial elements could resort to shop lifting and pickpocketing vulnerable victims at crowded places with the onset of the festive season and the year-end expenditures looming large.

“We are also getting report from a reliable source that unofficial personnel from the Forest Department, Govt. of Nagaland are moving around demanding cash from the sand dealers and stone crusher units. Such person(s) should immediately cease their illegal acts before being caught and their antecedents exposed in the public domain to face the consequences which they are well aware of,” it stated.

The organisations also asked why the Traffic Police personnel regularly frisk and check interstate trucks and buses at random places “only during night fall”, while seeking to know if it was conducted with the knowledge of the Commissioner of Police.