NVCO seeks public support on removal of police check gates

Dimapur, May 22 (EMN): Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has urged the public/civil societies to support the state government’s order regarding the removal of all police check gates and asked the district administrations, especially the inspection team to strictly implement it without any compromise.

An update from the organisation said that the only solution to stop illegal taxation/cash collection at the check gates and on any highways is the removal of check gates in Nagaland. While appreciating Nagaland Governor’s initiative in this respect, the organisation reminded how the state government’s order dated 2009 had no effect and the illegal activities continued.

‘Several policemen, especially the lower ranking, wished for check-gate duties, which resulted in lucrative posting. The Manipur truck drivers allow the local people to exercise regular collection on national highways by maintaining a pay cash-counter, which invites more illegal conduct in the state. Despite the order from Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench dated 2014 disallowing associations/unions/federations/organisation to refrain from collecting any cash on highways, there has not been any reforms’, it asserted.

 Kezhokhoto Savi stated that this illegal collection has been going on for several decades with interstate check-gates being the worst.

All these activities have become the main reason for price-rise in local markets. Since the government of Nagaland has already implemented the Goods and Services Act (GST) there cannot be any other tax. Therefore, the NVCO strongly urged the citizens including government or civil societies not to compromise with the order in any form to bring an end to the menace of illegal taxation/cash collection in the state of Nagaland, it added.

Inspection team surveys various check gates in Dimapur

In pursuance of the Home department’s notification, the deputy commissioner, Dimapur constituted an inspection team and the first inspection of check gates was carried out on May 21.

As directed by the DC — to obtain regular reports on alleged illegal collection of money from vehicles at check gates and other locations — the inspection team carried out their first assessment at Khakhati check gate, New Field check gate, and Dillai check gate.

The team was led by the chairman H Atokhe Aye (ADC) with committee member Zubenthung Ngullie, SDO(C) Sadar; EAC Dimapur Sadar, assistant commissioner of Police; district transport officer, and DPRO officials. During the inspection, H Atokhe Aye informed the persons in charge of check gates to strictly follow the orders set by the GoN, reminding them that if any illegal activity is found, the matter would be immediately taken up as per the law, an update from DIPR stated.