From Eric Calvin Ranee
SABUDA: The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has set up a toll gate at Sabuda, about 80 kilometers from Nongpoh, for collecting entry taxes from vehicles passing through the area.
Sabuda is a disputed area.
A copy of the rate of entry taxes for the year 2012-13, which is signed by the Deputy Secretary, Department of Taxation, KAAC, Diphu, is available with this scribe.
The rates are as follows — Sumo Rs. 20, Tata Mobile Rs. 40, Taxi Rs. 10, Jeep Rs. 20, Truck Rs. 100 and Passenger Bus Rs. 60.
Local villagers alleged the KAAC staff also collected taxes from persons on foot carrying agricultural produces passing through the gate.
People from all the 12 villages under area of disputes have to pass through this gate to reach their destinations
“If this is an area of dispute then how can the KAAC levy taxes,” questioned some villagers. “The Assam Government has also set up a police outpost and forest office at Sabuda but the state government has done nothing to resolve this issue,” villagers complained.
