KOHIMA: Close on the heels of public outcry over ‘taxes’ imposed by authorized and unauthorized entities at Dimapur, the Nagaland government has decided to clamp down on illegal taxation by setting up vigilance teams and closing all check gates along the highways.
In a notification, chief secretary Lalthara said that a meeting, chaired by home minister Imkong Imchen, recently discussed complaints about unauthorized collection of money or taxes by “public organizations and government agencies” at various points and check gates on state and national highways.
The government has closed all check-gates in the state, except the inter-state posts and the one at Chumukedima where Inner Line Permits are verified, the notification said.
Burdened by rampant extortion, the members of Dimapur- based civil societies and the business community on Wednesday discussed the so-called “taxation” and decided to form a committee to highlight the problem for strong remedial steps.
A public meeting organized by Naga Council Dimapur at Chakhesang Colony deliberated upon the menace of rampant extortion in and around the commercial town and called for stepped up government efforts to curb it.
Meanwhile, the Sumi public has resolved to revoke the decision taken in November 27, 2007 Dimapur to excommunicate any Sumi person or worker who did not participate in the Naga unification process.
The decision to revoke the order was the first point in the two-point resolution passed by the House during the Sumi Public meeting held in the Town Hall at Zunhebotoon Thursday, while in the second point resolution, the Sumi public reaffirmed its decision taken in January 15, 2008 Zunheboto wherein all the Sumi-inhabited areas were declared as ‘Peace Zones.’
The Sumi public strongly reaffirmed the resolution and to work towards the same with renewed zeal in the larger interest of ‘Peace, Unity and Reconciliation.’ (Agencies)