DIMAPUR, MAY 30 (MExN): Following the May 27 resolution of Dimapur-based civil society on “unabated taxation” by Naga political groups (factions), a memorandum outlining the grievances as well as the resolutions adopted at the meeting was submitted to the Dimapur district administration on Thursday, May 30. The Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation, comprising members of civil society, frontal organisations, student and youth organisations and business community of Dimapur, also discussed the implications of the resolution with the Deputy Commissioner, N. Hushili Sema. The Superintendent of Police, Dimapur, VZ Angami, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Dimapur Municipal Council, Orenthung Lotha, were also in attendance.
“...The action Committee to tackle unabated taxation by both Naga undergrounds and government agencies hereby submit its grievances to your authority for prompt action,” stated the memorandum.
As already published in the newspapers, one time yearly tax per group, cracking down on illegal business monopoly; besides, underground groups from outside Nagaland collecting tax in Dimapur, levying of ‘entry tax’ by government agencies and adequate security arrangement for the business community were the pertinent points mentioned in the memorandum.
The latest resolution to entertain only one tax a year per group and the mushrooming of ‘dealership system’ in the market consumed a major part of the discussions. The DC however made clear the district administration’s stand on the former point of discussion.
As a body representing the Government of Nagaland, the district administration regards all such taxes to be illegal, the DC remarked.
One section of the Action Committee rather contended that the line, “only a single tax in a year payable per UG group shall be allowed” be rephrased. “The focus should be on how to abolish illegal taxation,” said the member. “I think we’ve paid tax enough; enough is enough... This is the right time for us to come together.” The Committee, however, stood by its earlier resolution.
On the ‘dealership system’ or illegal trade monopoly by few individuals, the memorandum requested the district administration to crack down on the practice before it goes out of hand. Citing an instance, it stated, “... NSCN (IM) has ‘awarded dealership’ in poultry (broiler chicken) to a particular individual. This means that poultry farmers can sell their products only after paying ‘tax’ to the ‘dealer’. The same system has been introduced on other items too.” “This dealership system has led to formation of powerful but illegal syndicate/s leading to few individuals monopolizing trade and products in the market,” it added.
The DC and the SP were quick to respond to this. “We have to do away with this latest method of business monopoly,” was the DC’s response. The SP, extending the cooperation of the police, said, “We’ll fully cooperate and crack down on the people involved,” but having said that, the SP mentioned that in doing so the police also requires the assistance and cooperation of the business community, as well as other citizens.
On GBs collecting house tax on behalf of Naga political groups (factions), the DC cautioned that henceforth, any GB found indulging in it will face termination from post. She also clarified that while the DMC tax is official and cannot be touched, the excise and veterinary departments do not have any authority to collect tax at entry points or check gates.
