Coal trucks detained for three days in Assam
Kohima: Five coal-laden trucks from Mon district side have been detained for past three days at Sivasagar by Assam Taxation and Excise personnel for sales tax.
Nagaland Coal Suppliers Association said in a statement that the Assam tax and excise personnel have demanded payment of sales tax from the truckers.
It was reported that though the coal-laden trucks had paid sales tax, forest royalty and excise to the departments responsible in Nagaland, the Assam tax and excise officials refused to allow them to pass the gate.
The coal-laden trucks were bound for states beyond Assam. Even at Srirampur gate within Assam and before entering West Bengal, many trucks used to be detained on various grounds.
The statement said coal-laden trucks from Mon or Mokokchung plying through Assam to Dimapur, used to be harassed at check gates in Bokajan or Silonijan in Assam for transporting coal arose mainly due to extortionate demands being made by various uniformed personnel manning various check gates in Assam.
By paying Assam sales tax, excise and even central sales tax, the coal from Nagaland become uncompetitive in other states. The high cost of transporting coal into Dimapur has only caused the prices of bricks to remain highly priced. (UNI)