Kohima Traders Association vows to fight illegal taxation and syndicate practices affecting traders in Kohima.
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KOHIMA — The newly formed Kohima Traders Association (KTA) on Monday announced a unified stand for trader welfare, ethical business practices, legal compliance and the principle of “one government, one tax”.
Addressing media persons in Kohima, KTA office bearers said that the association was formed to protect and promote the welfare of traders registered under various market unions across the state capital.
The association stated that 15 traders’ unions in Kohima have registered under KTA since its formation on March 10, 2026.
KTA president Ruokuohetuo Mechülho said that traders were facing multiple challenges, including alleged illegal taxation, monopoly, syndicate practices and communication gaps.
According to him, the business community has been burdened by collections from multiple groups.
“Earlier, taxation used to be annual. But since 2025, traders have been asked to pay taxes on products such as tamul, supari and gutka on a monthly basis,” he claimed, adding that the burden ultimately affects consumers through rising prices.
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KTA general secretary Keneikhrielie Mepfhü-o clarified that the association was not against its parent body, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or the government.
He said that the objective of KTA was to address issues affecting traders, including alleged illegal collections, insecurity, monopoly and syndicate practices.
“Despite paying taxes to several groups, traders are not getting security,” he claimed.
In a statement, the association asserted that it would work towards strengthening fairness in the marketplace, safeguarding livelihoods and upholding the rule of law.
It also expressed concern over the impact of unregulated online commerce and monopolistic practices on local businesses.
The association stated that it would oppose price-fixing, syndicate activities and any practices restricting fair competition.
It added members and affiliates would be required to follow a code of conduct prohibiting coercive collections and unlawful trade practices.
The KTA reiterated its support for the principle of “one government, one tax” and said it would cooperate with government authorities to ensure transparent taxation and discourage illegal financial practices.
The association also opposed forced or unauthorised collections, including compulsory sale or distribution of lottery tickets, ID cards, calendars and similar materials.
It maintained that complaints against traders must first be addressed through the respective registered unions.
Matters unresolved at that level would then be referred to the association for investigation, conciliation or further action in accordance with the law.
The association called upon traders, authorities and the public to support “clean business” practices and assured cooperation with law enforcement agencies and consumer bodies to uphold lawful commerce.
The 15 registered unions include Super Market, Naga Hospital, TCP Gate, Lower Para Medical, Upper Para Medical, Pezieliecie, High School, PR Hill, Razhü Point, Officers Hill, Traders Road Business Association Kohima, Y Junction, Highway Traders, Kezieke and Chandmari Traders Union.