‘Illegal taxation’ is back–BAN

Dimapur, Nov. 18 (EMN): With the onset of festive season, ‘illegal collection/taxation’ has reared its head again, according to business community in Dimapur. The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) issued a statement on Monday informing that “after a brief lull, illegal collection/taxation has started at the check gates leading to rise in prices of certain commodities”. According to the association, the “enormous time and effort” provided by various tribe organisations under the aegis of the Public Action Committee (PAC) of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) seem to have been an exercise in futility. “With the festive season round the corner, the business community was hopeful of a ‘tax-free’ Christmas but it seems some unscrupulous elements have other ideas. Sad as it is, the business community will have to pass on the tax burden to the citizens, which will lead to rise in price of commodities. “The BAN was happy to see the pretty picture of NCD and WC, NNPGs in the press with the message that ‘issues have been amicably resolved’. The citizens would surely like to know from the NCD what issues were resolved,” read the statement. It went on to say that the NCD, being the apex tribal body in Dimapur, has started a “noble initiative like the PAC” and the business community and citizens have “high hope that this initiative will continue to curb the menace of illegal taxation”.