CNCCI, KACC and DCCI officials at the press conference in Dimapur on July 20. (Morung Photo)
Illicit taxation moves base to Karbi Anglong
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 20
Construction grade sand from Karbi Anglong costs almost twice the retail rate in Diphu. According to Augustine Kramsa, Chairperson, Karbi Anglong Chamber of Commerce, the ‘landing cost’ of a truckload or 400 cft of sand sourced from the Manja area, at present, is around Rs 14,000 in Diphu at present.
The price for the same quantity/volume, however, doubles to around Rs 28,000 to Rs 32,000 when it reaches Dimapur, which is about an hour away from Manja.
Kramsa made the revelation in response to a query at a press conference, in Dimapur, on July 20, following a meeting with the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI). The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) also attended the meeting.
The meeting was called to foment stronger coordination between the CNCCI, DCCI and KACC with the objective of making the environment conducive to business, said CNCCI President, Dr Kheghuka Muru. Illicit taxation on the highway between Karbi Anglong and Dimapur, besides others, featured in the meeting.
Dr Muru said that from abnormally high transport cost and illicit monetary collections on the highway to “syndicate system” has had a cascading effect on price in not only Nagaland but also Manipur. He said that they stressed on mulling over the issues at hand while continuing the consultations.
It was also revealed that since the banning of toll collection at checkposts by the Nagaland government, illicit collections by elements from Nagaland has shifted base to the highways in Karbi Anglong. Queried further, the KACC Chairperson replied that it could not be ascertained how many Naga Political Groups and transport organisations from Dimapur were involved. But the still to be ascertained individuals and groups have allegedly been collecting illicit tax ranging to as high as Rs 10,000-15,000 per truck.
