It’s an open secret that illegal tax collection on transport vehicles by various registered and unregistered unions including the different underground groups remains rampant in the State, especially in the commercial hub of Dimapur. Such illegal activities are taking place even after the concerned district authorities pass orders to curb or put an end to such menace, which is worrying although it is not a surprise at all. In fact, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur had earlier taken the bold step ordering a number of unions and associations to immediately close down their collections counters located at New Field gate (Assam-Nagaland) border on NH-39, Dillai gate and other places along the NH 39. Similar steps have also been taken by several former DCs administering Dimapur but without much success. The recent reports in the local media on the huge amount of illegal toll that transporters have to pay to the various underground groups has raised concern about the negative impact this has on public welfare. Every known person or authorities have from time to time spoken out against such rampant extortion/taxation. Whether it is the Naga Hoho, NSF, NBCC, Chief Minister, State Bureaucracy or various NGOs, all have voiced concern over this particular malaise and therefore a solution is the need of the hour. But who will take the initiative?
It is obvious that the consequence of such rampant extortion has a negative bearing on public welfare. It is well known that prices of essential commodities escalate and traders are quick to cite the existence of the multi-layered taxation which they have to incur and quite naturally they push the burden on to consumers. This widespread extortion ring has also given rise to fake cadres who collect money in the name of the established underground groups. Unidentified extortionists willfully extract money from small traders, businessman and even public commuters. The demand of generating revenue for the UGs is not being disputed but its misuse should be detected by the concerned authority within the Naga national groups and necessary follow up measures taken so that the public do not suffer. The point is that illegality and public harassment must stop. Let there be a limit. Let us become civilized. Let there be a system. Let the rule of law prevail.
It is not that the police and administration are not doing their duty—they have in-fact got the right intention to confront the problem. But it is quite obvious that timely review and coordination is required when it comes to the implementation part. The district administration along with the police establishment must therefore continue to demonstrate its resolve to take real and effective measures to stop illegal taxes on the ground. This calls for greater cooperation, sharing of information, joint surveillance and regular appraisal between the government agencies. The recent initiative for setting up Community Peace Police (CPP) in all the 23 wards of Dimapur Municipal area will hopefully also factor in the problem of illegal taxes. But beyond enforcement measures, as mentioned earlier, Naga civil society along with the State government will have to take some form of initiative. One suggestion is for the civil society groups led by the Naga Hoho to set up an expert panel to look into the entire gamut of issues at hand. The State government on its part may also partner in such an initiative and provide the necessary logistics and support. The problem of illegal taxation or extortion has been talked about for far too long by too many concerned people but a commensurate response to find a remedy has not been forthcoming till date. This public lethargy has to change if we want to see some improvement on the ground.
