Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Sep. 8: In compliance to the call of Indian National Congress for a nation-wide strike on September 10, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has decided to join in the strike along with the rest of the country. The strike has been called against the escalating prices of petrol and diesel in the country.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, NPCC general secretary Capt. GK Zhimomi said spiralling rise in the prices of petrol and diesel have given rise to the increase in the prices of other commodities. Zhimomi reasoned that it is the common people who suffered the most under such circumstances.
Zhimomi said the peaceful and voluntary Bharat bandh was to demand for immediate drop in central excise duty and excessive VAT in the states. He added that the main crux of the bandh was bring the prices of fuel within the GST rate which will reduce prices by INR 10-15 thereby bringing relief to the public. Zhimomi said the issue does not only concern with the Congress party but the people of the country and state.
“We have requested other political parties and civil organisations to join the strike and it is high time to voice out these issues,” said Zhimomi.
Meanwhile, a NPCC press release stated that the unreasonable daily rise in prices of petroleum products have not only placed a heavy burden upon the public but put their livelihood in acute danger.
NPCC, in a press release issued by media cell, has appealed for reduction of VAT and central excise which had increased since May 2014 by 443.06% on diesel, 211.7% on petrol and LPG.
NPCC has appealed for active participation of public from all sections of society to be a part of the bandh by voluntarily shutting down shops from 9 am – 3 pm and send a ‘clear message’ to the Government of India that the suffering of the people has reached its zenith.
