NCD, DDCF oppose Covid-19 cess

Dimapur, May 2 (EMN): Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has strongly objected to the state government's ‘Covid-19 cess’ on diesel and petrol and demanded immediate withdrawal.

“When the whole economic activities have been affected and people are facing great difficulties, raising the price of diesel and petrol at this juncture is very shocking and disturbing,” NCD’s statement through its vice president and PAC co-convenor K Ghokheto Chophy.

As an expression of resentment to the state government, NCD appealed to the petrol pump owners to stand in solidarity with the public by shutting down their outlets. It stated that objections raised by various organisation proved that the decision to hike fuel prices was wrongly timed.

Stating that there should be no shortage of funds in the state as the centre has granted generous amount to prepare and deal the Covid-19 pandemic, NCD has appealed the government to immediately withdraw the order.

Also opposing the Covid-19 cess, Dimapur District Citizens' Forum ((DDCF) stated that the already sky rocketing prices of commodities would automatically shoot up again and affect every citizen who are under lockdown for the past forty days.

Pointing out that traders are struggling to pay house rent, shop rent, godown rent, electricity bills etc, loss of perishable items besides taking care of the staff salary, DDCF said the increase of cess on petrol and diesel was unthinkable and should be rolled back during this bad times.

It further urged the government to listen to the genuine appeals of the people and reconsider its decision for the common welfare.