Dimapur, October 29 (MExN): Several organisations have extended support to the mass public rally against rampant multiple taxations on October 31 called by the Public Action Committee (PAC) under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) at Khelmahal Junction, Dimapur.
The ACAUT Nagaland stated that despite the passage of 5 years since the massive public rally against multiple taxations in 2013, “illegal collection still persists with patronage from the Government of Nagaland.”
It further appealed to the GoI to look into the problem of taxation by various Naga political groups. “The Government of India may consider giving monetary assistance to the NPGs and ensure that they stay in their designated camps so that the public and the law enforcers are able to identify those anti-social agents who are constantly harassing the business community and have turned Dimapur into a haven of anti social elements,” it proposed.
The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) said that the practices of illegal collection of cash and imposing of multiple taxations in Dimapur are major causes of price-rise in the state.
It said that every now and then temporary rise of prices in essential commodities, including building materials is common in Dimapur, and there are too many pay-counters besides the two main Nagaland check-gates situated at the entry point to the state in Dimapur.
Several bodies including Naga political groups, DMC toll tax collection points, pay-counters maintained by government departments including Nagaland Police especially at the check-gates, etc are a huge harassment to the public, especially transporters and business community, it said.
It claimed that the state government, especially the district administrations and municipal councils have failed to regulate and control the prices in the markets. The Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF) and GB Union (Sadar) also stated that they fully support the proposed rally.
PAC informs
The PAC also issued a statement urging people of Dimapur to participate in the rally and maintain decorum, adding that community leaders will be “held responsible for any untoward incident.” It added that solitary speeches would be made by the Tenyimi Public Organisation, Central Naga Tribe Council the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation. It further informed that seating arrangements are being made community wise as follows: Angami - Khermahal point to Tragopan hotel side; Ao - Khermahal point to NSCB office; Non-Nagas - Khermahal point to Friends cinema hall; Sumi - Khermahal point to Naga cemetery road; Chakhesangs, Lotha, ENPUD, ‘South Naga,’ Rengma, Pochury, Rongmei and Zeliang - Khermahal point to Rengma Church.
