‘Denial of one’s right to live and prosper is cowardice’
EMN
Dimapur, April 28
One of extortionists’ favourite business targets, hostels and restaurants, have decided that they will no longer pay the so-called taxes to the underground groups unless there was only one tax and only to a unified entity.
Stating hard financial conditions and failing business in the industry, the members have made it clear that that the ‘cowardice of threats and intimidation’ will be resisted.
Members of the Nagaland Hotel and Restaurant Association (NHRA) met on April 24 in Dimapur and decided upon the stand.
‘The members present in the meeting strongly voice their support to the stand of Nagaland Medical Dealers Association and the ACAUT’s stand on ‘one tax, one government,’ a press release from the organization stated on Thursday.
The NHRA said it would continue with their objective of promoting the hospitality industry in Nagaland.
But the businesses are apprehensive that all of their efforts and motives in said direction are being threatened “when unscrupulous manifestations prey-on to tax and burden its members.”
The statement from the group stated: “NHRA believe that hotel and restaurant industry in our state is one of the most viable businesses. This business is under serious depression and depreciation since 2013 to 2015 till date. Therefore, the NHRA sincerely appeal all the national governments, UGs, or NGOs to kindly exempt any form of annual taxes or collections for the fiscal year 2016.”
“Our members cannot continue business (most of the firms are under stressing bank finances) under extra pressures, and to fulfil any demands at this crucial juncture will be to force close down of businesses.”
They informed that the ‘mammoth assembly of members’ at the meeting witnessed the testimonies of bankruptcy of businesses, families, companies, and individuals in the state.
The organization stated: “The members present in the meeting unanimously resolved to stand by the above points. And in pursuance of its stand, the members decided that any intimidation or threat to its members shall invite no other option but indefinite course of action to protect its legitimate right.”
The members jointly pledged to take a stand that “threats and demand of any form is sheer cowardice and denial of one’s right to live and prosper in dignity,” the press release added.
