Dimapur, May 31 (MExN): The Dimapur District Truck Drivers Union (DDTDU) has written to the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur urging for intervention into the “continuous and daily taxation” by various factions and organizations. The letter lamented that various factions and organizations impose tax on truck drivers plying from Dimapur to Kiphire and Pungro on all types of goods they transport. The letter also mentioned following locations where “taxation is being carried out without any receipt by different underground factions”: Bricks kiln in Dimapur, Pfutsero Town, Jessami Village, Meluri, Azetso Village, Longmetra, Kiphire Town, Chomi Village, Salomi Village, Pungro Town. It further stated that amount charged to the public during transporting goods comes to Rs 37,000 per trip approximately, out of which, Rs 15,744 is paid for 330 litres of fuel, and Rs 9700 is paid as a tax to various factions and organizations. “Only Rs 11,556 is left for the owner to sustain, which is appropriated towards maintenance of vehicle and salary payment of drivers and handymen,” it added.
Further, it mentioned that the truck drivers also have to pay tax to police, municipal, and forest department at every check gate they cross while transporting goods. “As a result of these, the truck drivers are unable to manage with the maintenance of truck, salaries of the truck driver and handymen and the basic amenities of livelihood.” Thefore, the DDTDU has urged that the grievances of the truck owners and drivers are considered and necessary measures are taken to curb unlawful activities within 15 days of submitting this letter. The DDTDU has given an ultimatum that if the authority fails to comply to their appeals, trucks bound for Kiphire and Pungro will cease to transport goods.
