Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, CM Chang, along with NTTU members and representatives of other timber units and unions at the annual session cum get-together of NTTU at TL Angami Park on November 15. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 15
The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) held its 13th annual session cum get-together here at TL Angami Park on November 15 with Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, CM Chang, as special guest.
The special guest in his address stressed on ecological balance and urged those in the timber business to ensure that for every tree cut down, a minimum of two saplings should be planted. Chang said natural resources should be judiciously used keeping in mind the welfare and wellbeing of the future generations.
On the issue of ‘tax’ collected by government departments and law enforcing agencies from timber traders at multiple check gates, the Forest Minister said the government would look into the issue with all seriousness. Chang said the timber traders must pay whatever genuine tax levied by the government but apart from that, the government will take necessary steps to ensure that officials and personnel posted at check gates do not indulge in illegal collection or give undue harassment to timber traders.
Chang also said it was encouraging to see women in the timber business and urged Naga women to make their presence felt in diverse professions and trades.
The Minister further assured to look into the grievances of timber traders as contained in the memorandum submitted to the minister by NTTU.
The three-point memorandum urged the Forest minister to issue TP (transit permit) for transportation of timber within the state, to provide security for timber-laden trucks plying the Kiphire-Dimapur route. The memorandum also iterated that trucks carrying timber should be checked only twice (at source and destination or in and out points only).
President NTTU, Kevise Sogotsu, said genuine timber traders and tree farmers daily bear the brunt of Forest department officials and police personnel manning check gates and different Naga political groups (NPGs) who demand illegal tax from timber-laden trucks. The NTTU president said the survival of those depending on timber products for their livelihood is at stake as corrupt government officials and personnel and NPGs are eating away all the profits.
Kevise claimed that a single piece of log or timber has to undergo some 100 taxations.
The NTTU president called upon all members and representatives from different district timber unions and associations to stand united in the common fight against unjust and illegal taxation.
Presidents and representatives from different timber unions and associations including of Kiphire District Timber Union, Phek District Timber Association, Dimapur District Timber Mill Owner Association, Chumukedima Timber Association, Dimapur District Timber Industry Union, and woman representative also highlighted the harassment and plight faced by timber traders.
General Secretary NTTU, Alem Pongener, chaired the session and finance secretary, NTTU, Sanyi Dukru, proposed vote of thanks.
