PAC: 6-day vigil not the end of the campaign

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 21

As the 6-day vigil of the Public Action Committee (PAC) to curb illegal monetary collection at the check-posts in Dimapur wound up on September 21, the PAC reiterated that it will not be the end of it. 

Briefing the media in the evening today, the PAC said that the campaign will continue in the form of “stricter phase of action” if the state government authorities fail to rein in the menace of illegal collection and escalating prices. 

As stated in its September 20 representation to the Deputy Commissioner, the PAC maintained that if the district administration fails to streamline the issue of price within the stipulated timeframe, it will be compelled to resort to harsher mode of action, including indefinite bandh (shutdown) of the city. 

Queried on the impact of the 6-day vigil, it said that one of its greatest achievements has been the awareness generated. “Even the district administration admitted it has been an eye-opener to them.

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As far as impact on the market was concerned, it claimed that its effect overall can only be gauged in the coming days considering the fluid nature of the market. As articulated by one PAC member, the effect on pricing of certain goods that entered the city during the week can be felt in a week or two. 

Though it cannot be ascertained independently, the PAC claimed that a visible effect was observed in the (construction) sand segment. “Deopani sand (from Karbi-Anglong) which earlier cost Rs. 55 per cubic feet was going for Rs. 48.5 per cubic feet today,” said another PAC member. 

Discounting statutory taxation and other illegal collection by transport unions and government agencies, the PAC said that the tax levied by the Naga Political Groups range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 52,000 per truck per entry. It said that the amount varies as per the tonnage or payload of the truck with 6-wheeler trucks paying no less than Rs. 15,000 each time it transports goods into the city.   

“This has forced many Manipur truckers to avoid crossing Dimapur and opting for an alternate route (Silchar-Jiribam-Imphal road),” it said. It claimed that 60 percent of the Manipur trucks that used to take the shorter Nagaland segment of NH 29 no longer ply the route. 

The spectre of the check-posts returning to the old routine apparent once the vigil stops, the PAC called for greater community vigilance to check illegal collection. At the same time, it appreciated the effort of the volunteers and support from the various tribal hohos, other frontal organizations, including non-Naga forums, police and the district administration. 

 As appealed earlier, it encouraged taking of video clips whenever a citizen comes across cases of illegal collection and harassment on transporters and businesses.  

It also released a list of phone number of PAC members to facilitate reporting of incidents of illegal tax collection. “Not all people are forthcoming enough to report directly to the police. We the PAC want to act as facilitators to ensure that complaints reach the government authorities.”  

It asked any citizen to contact— T Ngullie: 9612780249), Tia longchar: 9862588719), Ongbu: 7005707484, Vitho Zao: 94360 01698‬, Akum Jamir: 9436012590, Hozka: 7005805636, L Wati: 9436430507, Ayo: 9862718402, Ghokheto Chopy: 7005440147, Vikhosayi Nyekha: 7005664039, T Sepipa sangtam: 9436002614, Zelho: ‭94366 00659 and 9436000693.