NGO moots border tax to protect state’s land

SHILLONG, Nov 17: In response to the alleged encroachments by residents from Assam in the border areas of Meghalaya, the convener of Mait Shaphrang Movement, Michael Syiem, has suggested the Meghalaya Government to impose a border tax in order to safeguard its areas along the borders.
In a statement issued here, he suggested that a minimum tax of Rs 100 for every homeowner and Rs 50 for every tenant should be levied per month in Shillong, Jowai and Tura.
He added that slightly lower rates for other district headquarters and rural households with higher slabs for private educational institutions and industries will bring adequate funds for the government to raise the required force.
“So, apart from pursuing with the central government to bifurcate the joint IAS, IPS cadre, which it has implemented for the other Northeastern states, the other practical solution will be to strengthen the financial resources of the state by imposing a border tax to help raise additional police battalions, specifically to protect our borders,” he said.
Expressing concern over the state being devoid of proper boundaries, Syiem said with Assam being a relatively older state with more police battalions and a joint cadre, it enjoys seniority and is in a habit of constantly bullying Meghalaya through repeated encroachments. “Even as the state NGOs and different political parties keep calling for a permanent border solution every time Assam encroaches our borders, Meghalaya, with a disadvantaged cadre system and a small police force, continues to lose precious land,” he said.
Syiem is, however, optimistic that the government will be able to mobilise additional funds through other revenue-generating sources in the state.