Nagaland: PAC alleges ‘shocking’ collections by govt. agencies at entry gates

Eastern Mirror Desk

Dimapur, Sep. 16: The Public Action Committee (PAC) under Naga Council Dimapur has alleged that the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has been collecting money ‘100% more than the prescribed rates’ per commodity, which they termed as ‘shocking’.

According to PAC members, they were made aware of this on the first day of the monitoring of illegal collection of money at the check gates in Dimapur on Monday.

The PAC addressed a press conference at the Naga Council Dimapur office on September 16 to give an update on the outcome of its first day of monitoring.

The PAC members, terming the first day as ‘challenging’, also alleged that the police at the check gates were “acting holy, refusing money from the transporters” and maintained that even the drivers were confused while crossing the check gates as they did not have to pay money unlike other days.

“The volunteers found out that some trucks had entered the gate by 3.30 am which is against traffic regulations,” the PAC alleged. It warned that if any commercial trucks were found entering the gate before 5 am, and if anything happens, they would not be held responsible;and informed that the traffic police should release the vehicles as per the prescribed timing.

According to the account of volunteers present at the New Field check gate, the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services at their designated quarantine check post, was actually supposed to check and examine the poultry being transported. However, it was found that the vehicles carrying poultry to be sold in markets were passing through without being checked. The convenor of PAC, Vekhosayi Nyekha added that the department has sought apology and has assured to designate a veterinary doctor.

It was also alleged that the Geology and Mining department and the Forest department were collecting tax for the same items, which they termed as ‘absurd’.

“We see no reason why they should be collecting tax when for every commodity, taxes has been cleared from the time of procurement. The Geology and Mining department has been collecting an amount of INR 1000-2000 per ton on marbles and tiles,” the PAC members alleged and said that the department can only collect toll tax and nothing more than that.

Nyekha said the PAC or its volunteers had neither committed any unlawful activities nor allowed any vehicle to stop and pay money.