Dimapur, June 23 (MExN): In the backdrop of the truckers’ strike in Assam against illegal taxation and extortion in Nagaland, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur today “once again” ordered that collection of any kind of taxes or donations from the trucks and commercial vehicles by anybody is banned with immediate effect.
Anybody found violating the order shall be arrested and prosecuted as per the provision of the laws, Dimapur DC Maong Aier stated in a circular today. In case of government servants found to be offenders, disciplinary action will be initiated against them and they will be suspended from service, the administration stated.
The latest order from the Dimapur district administration comes in the wake of myriad complaints against police personnel and government staffers collecting fees or taxes from trucks and commercial vehicles. The Dimapur DC pointed out that the Government of Nagaland has banned collection of any kind of donation and taxes. The Chief Secretary of Nagaland has also reiterated the order on June 22.
Also, the Dimapur district administration, in another order reiterated its “banning order issued” on May 11, 2009 and “Commissioner’s order No CN/CON/MISC/2008 Dated 20/6/09 banning any kind of illegal collection/taxes”. The Dimapur DC informed that the orders come in the wake of reports about various unions, association and underground factions imposing illegal taxes on truck drivers, commercial vehicles and business establishment. This culture of extortion and illegal taxation is severely affecting the economic life of the public and the order is envisaged to check the disease as also in the maintenance of law and order in the district. “Stringent action will be initiated against the violators of the order and will be prosecuted as per the provision of laws,” the Dimapur DC informed.
