Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 29
The Nagaland State Government has ordered suspension of Forest Department check gates operating at Pfütsero, Peducha and Chümoukedima.
With lifting of the three check gates, not only timber products but other forest products including sand and vegetables would be exempted from taxation at the three check gates.
In the case of sand, a truckload of sand from Dimapur to Phek would cost Rs. 1500 cheaper as earlier every truckload of sand had to pay Rs. 500 at the three check gates.
Conservator of Forests (Publicity & Training), Government of Nagaland, Temjenyabang, IFS, in a notification to the Conservator of Forests, Southern Territorial Circle, dated November 21, 2019, stated that “the operation of check gates at Pfütsero, Peducha and Chümoukedima is suspended with immediate effect till further notice.”
Subsequently, the Conservator of Forests, Southern Territorial Circle, in a notification dated November 28, 2019, addressed to the divisional forest officers of Phek, Kohima and Dimapur districts, directed the officers concerned to “comply with the order and submit a compliance report” with immediate effect.
Following the suspension order, the Nagaland Timber Traders Union (NTTU) decided to withdraw the writ petition filed earlier at Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench.
Interacting with media persons after an emergency meeting of NTTU held in Dimapur on Friday, NTTU president, Kevise Sogotsu; advisor Khutovi Awomi; and vice president Husca Zhimomi, said the suspension order was a victory to the timber traders and farmers in particular and the public as a whole.
Appreciating the state government for lifting the check gates, the NTTU executives also acknowledged the support of various NGOs and organizations for their continued support in voicing out against rampant and illegal taxation.
NTTU members admitted that in their fight for justice and corruption over the years, the union might have hurt the sentiments of many government officials and sought apology for such unpleasant encounters, if any. “However, our grievances have been finally addressed by the government and we are grateful to the government and department concerned,” the NTTU members said.
The NTTU had moved the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court seeking direction to the Department of Forest, Government of Nagaland, to issue transit permit/pass to the union to discourage illegal tax collection. The petition relates to illegal tax collections at the check gates of Pfütsero, Lalmati, Peducha and Chümoukedima.
