M Yanger Ozukum, Pastor, Old Showuba Ao Baptist Fellowship dedicates the Golden Cargo Dimapur in Purana Bazaar, Dimapur on June 5 last.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 7
The issue of rampant taxation faced by business people in Nagaland, compounded by the presence of multiple ‘underground factions,’ has become a daily challenge. The situation adversely impacts newly opened establishments, making it difficult for them to set up a solid foundation.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Sashikala, the proprietor of the newly opened Golden Cargo in Purana Bazaar, Dimapur expressed the challenges faced by business owners like her. She mentioned that even before her establishment had commenced operations, they were approached by “two to three boys from different underground factions.”
With as many as 16 to 17 Naga Political Groups (NPGs) operating in the State at present, she could not discern which of those demanded the taxes. She stressed that businesses like hers cannot afford to pay taxes to every group, while appealing for understanding their plight.
The Cargo especially deals with hardware, which gives an impression that it is a big establishment, she said, while the reality is quite the opposite as it is a new venture and she is the lone owner without any partnership, she added.
Even so, Sashikala has been a businesswoman for the last 20 years. Along the way, she has encountered 'genuine seniors' from different factions who appreciated her hard work and even offered solidarity and assistance. She appealed to all NPGs to recognize that small businesses are striving to earn a livelihood, and urged them to support one another for long-term prosperity.
A Vikashe Achumi, the overall incharge of Golden Cargo, who has been overseeing the situation, reiterated the need to foster understanding between the groups and business owners which will create a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive and contribute to the economic development of the State.
The appeal made by Sashikala and Achumi echo the voices of many such entrepreneurs and business persons across Nagaland, especially in Dimapur and the State capital who are bogged down by the burdens of multiple taxations.
