Kohima, March 6 (MExN): Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, while replying to a starred question on check gates in Dimapur during the sixth session of the 14th NLA on March 6 at Nagaland Legislative Assembly Hall, Kohima, stated that there are three designated check gates at the Nagaland-Assam border, namely Dellai Check Gate, New Field Check Gate, and Khatkhati Check Gate.
He informed that an average of 77 heavy vehicles carrying essential commodities enters Nagaland daily through these gates, and no revenue is collected from them, stated a DIPR report.
Supplementing the starred question, MLA, Naiba Konyak pointed out that despite the presence of numerous check posts in Nagaland, no revenue is being officially collected. However, he mentioned that some truck owners had informed him of paying Rs 150 at these posts.
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio clarified that check gates along national highways had been removed, and no entry fees were being collected since the introduction of GST, as payments are now made at the destinations. He stated that any collections being made were likely for penalties and fines.
Dr Rio further explained that the existing check gates serve law and order purposes, particularly for monitoring Inner Line Permits (ILP), the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), and other security concerns, and that illegal items are often seized at these points.
The Chief Minister also emphasised that heavy trucks should not be stopped in towns or highways unnecessarily. However, if vehicles exceed the permissible load limit, penalties should be imposed. He assured that the government would review the current status of check gates.
