Dimapur, May 11 (EMN): Peeved with the prevailing evils of illegal collection by various groups, organisations and government agencies, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has appealed to the state government to come out with strong laws and stringent measures to curb the menace in the society.
“The long prevailing evils of illegal collection of money by various, groups, organisations, governmental agencies continue to haunt the business community in Nagaland including those involve in inter-state transportation of goods,” a joint press release issued by BAN president, L Mongkum Jamir, and the general secretary, Dr. Yan Murry stated on Tuesday.
It reminded on how various organisations including Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), Public Action Committee (PAC) and BAN had raised concern with the government to protect the rights and interest of the affected persons, who are under constant harassment and torture while transporting goods and conducting businesses.
“There is evidence of vehicles transporting goods charging based on the wheel of the truck by various organisations and government agencies. And this is the reason why the transportation cost to Dimapur is100% to 400% higher compared to the cost in places with similar topography,” the statement read adding, “With the rise in transport cost, everything we import gets more expensive, which ultimately increase the cost of living by affecting the prices of all essential products.”
BAN lamented that nothing has been done to ease the suffering despite the hue and cry of affected persons. It, therefore, urged the government also to start devising monitoring mechanisms for safeguarding the fundamental rights of the business communities in order to facilitate overall development in the state and to control inflation of goods and services.
BAN further appealed to the government to make practical policies/ rules/ act for making provision for the aggrieved persons to address and redress their grievances by maintaining an online portal for registering complaints, make provision for appointment of Ombudsman to look into the complaints of the affected persons, set up CCTV in all existing check gates and take appropriate legal action against the offenders.