In this collage photo, the NPYF highlights alleged operation of illegal toll gates in and around Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy: NPYF)
Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) Nagaland today expressed grave concern and resentment over what it termed the continued operation of illegal toll gates and the collection of unauthorised taxes by various town councils, specifically the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and the East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC).
The NPYF, which is the youth wing of the National People’s Party, condemned the action as “blatant defiance of standing government orders” and demanded immediate action by the concerned authorities.
According to the front, despite a comprehensive blanket ban imposed by the Government of Nagaland via a Home Department notification dated May 19, 2022, recent reports have confirmed that toll gates at locations such as Purana Bazar, Kevijau Thaheku and the Burma Camp area are still actively taxing vehicles.
These collections, often disguised as “utility fees,” range from Rs 50 for small rickshaws to Rs 250 for heavy trucks, it alleged.
The NPYF further pointed out that the State’s Municipal Affairs Department, as recently as September 2025, explicitly stated that levying toll tax is “not permissible” due to the ongoing blanket ban.
Accordingly, it asserted that the continued operation of these gates is a direct challenge to the rule of law.
This is also resulting in “double taxation,” as goods already covered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are being illegally levied again at these gates, it said.
The NPYF also highlighted the lack of accountability in the process and demanded clarification on where these “utility fees” are being directed.
Such “unabated and illegal taxation” is not only an economic burden on the common people but also a criminal act, it added, noting that under the 2022 government notification, those involved in such illegal collections are liable for prosecution under Section 188 of the IPC (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) and Section 384 (punishment for extortion).
Hence, the NPYF called upon the District Administration and the Home Department to immediately shut down all illegal toll gates functioning under the DMC and EDTC.
It also demanded strict penalisation by initiating legal proceedings against the officials and individuals overseeing these “illegal fronts.”
Calling for transparency, the NPYF also asked the State Government to clarify how these entities continue to “run the show” right under the nose of the law.
In a press release from its Media Cell, the NPYF asserted that it will not remain a silent spectator while public entities engage in illegal activities that harass the citizens and business community of Nagaland.
“We urge the concerned authorities to act swiftly to restore public confidence and uphold the sanctity of government directives,” it added.
