Angami Youth Organisation members during a press conference at its office on June 21. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | June 21
The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) will undertake a Taxi Verification Drive from June 24 to 28.This was announced during a press conference held at the AYO office in Kohima on June 21.
AYO President, Kesosul Christopher Ltu said that the organization had been conducting its study and analysis on taxis operating in the state for nearly a year. He highlighted that the major concerns include traffic congestion and the unregulated issuance of local and regional taxi permits.
Ltu further said that although most permits are issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kohima, there are loopholes and discrepancies that need to be addressed. To tackle these issues, the president said that the AYO had formed a committee that conducted extensive research and proposed measures to ease traffic congestion and ensure transparent and genuine permit issuance.
The initiative is being carried out in consultation with concerned authorities, including the district administration, it added.
Ltu also pointed out that some taxi drivers operate without valid driving licenses which will be checked during the drive. Additionally, he noted that transferring and selling taxi permits which is not permissible has become a business, which in addition needs to be regulated.
He emphasized that this exercise is for the benefit of all stakeholders and urged all taxis operating in Kohima to participate for better transparency and regulation. The AYO also warned against submitting any false claims.
He also informed that verified stickers with a serial number, seal, and signature will be issued during the drive. Taxis without these stickers will not be allowed to operate in Kohima.
Drawing out statistics, it also informed that in the state capital, presently there are 3,262 active local and regional taxis; 689 permits still in operation are older than 15 years bringing it to a total of 3,951 taxis.
Verification Schedule
Meanwhile, Vipu Zashümo Joint Secretary of AYO and Committee Member for the Taxi Verification Drive, stated that the focus is on strictly checking taxis in Kohima district.
Zashümo divulged that despite a ban on new taxi permits since July 6, 2022, over 300 permits were issued afterward raising questions about compliance with government orders.
The document verification will take place from June 24 to 28 by organising stand-wise starting from 9:00 AM daily. The schedule is as follows:
• Day 1 (June 24): New Reserve, Lerie/CRPF Camp, AG, BOC, Japfü Hotel, Jail Colony, Agri, Forest Colony, Paramedical.
• Day 2 (June 25): Chandmari, PWD, Town Area (Phoolbari, NST, TCP Gate, Hospital Colony, Old MLA Junction, Local Ground, Razhü Point).
• Day 3 (June 26): High School, Khikha Colony, Secretariat Area, ISBT.
• Day 4 (June 27-28): All regional/zonal taxis passing through Kohima and local taxis without designated parking.
Thepfusavi Suohu, Press Secretary of AYO and Committee Member, further said that the drive will also check illegal permit transfers as taxi permits are non-transferable, yet some individuals sell them to others. The required documents for verification include the Owners, Aadhaar card and vehicle documents; Driver's Aadhaar card, driving license, and ANTA ID card.
Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü General Secretary of AYO, stressed that random permit issuance is causing chaos and needs regulation and also raised concerns about non-indigenous Nagas and individuals holding double permits which affects unemployed Naga youth. It had been informed that the drive is being conducted in coordination with the district administration and Kohima RTO. He urged all taxi owners and drivers to cooperate for a smooth verification process.
