Taxes department seals shops in Karbi Anglong

Our Correspondent

Diphu, Oct. 28 (EMN): The Taxation department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) on Friday sealed the shops of some traders in Sukhanjan under Bokajan police station.

The traders were allegedly involved in the attack on the tax officials on October 27 while they were on a drive to check trade licenses of shopkeepers.

It may be recalled that the tax officials were attacked in the afternoon by a mob numbering around 100 armed with sticks, iron rods, stones and daos. Several officials, traders and members of the public were injured in the incident.

The Tax department led by deputy secretary, Sonasing Terang, sealed the shop and godown of the main conspirator and organiser of the attack, Bijoy Singh.

A total of four shops were sealed by the officials.

“The officers of the Taxation department came yesterday on the orders of the authority but were, unfortunately, assaulted. We all know about taxes and we the government officers have also to pay professional tax. The government asks for a minimal amount as taxes,” Terang said.

On delay in the renewal process of trade licenses, he said, “We have a man power shortage. If there is any complain, they can make a formal complain to the secretary, Taxes, KAAC. As for the alleged harassment faced by the traders in obtaining trade license, I don’t know about it.”

The official also said awareness on taxation will also be carried out in a continuous manner under the jurisdiction of Bokajan Municipal Board.

Meanwhile, sensing that the incident could take on an inter-community clash, the working president of Hindi Bhashi Sanstha, Manahor Singh, said the main accuse Bijoy Singh is a habitual criminal.

 “Bijoy Singh does not represent the Hindi Bhasi. The incident perpetrated in Karbi Anglong by Bijoy Singh is unfortunate and we are ashamed of it. He is not a Hindi Bhasi, he has come recently, while we are here before Independence. I was also the chairman of Bokajan Municipal Board,” the Hindi Bhashi Sanstha chief clarified.

“We have a good relation with the Karbi community. I want to give a message that the Hindi Bhasis does not condone the act of Bijoy Singh. The assault was carried out by Bijoy Singh who is a criminal,” he added.

The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) also demanded the arrest of all the culprits who were involved in the incident.

Secretary of BJP’s ST Morcha, Assam, Longsing Tokbi, in a press conference on Friday, also appreciated the step taken by KAAC in sealing the “illegal shops” in Sukhanjan. Tokbi also claimed that Bijoy Singh is hiding in Dimapur.