Dimapur, July 9 : The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) and the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industries (MCCI) have sought corrective measures to address what is understood to be loopholes in the Inner Line Permit (ILP) administration and administration of marketing spaces in proper Mokokchung.
The students’ organization and the MCCI issued a copy of a representation addressed to the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung on Saturday, July 9, demanding redress.
According to the representation, ‘ample provisions’ have been stipulated to check ‘unwanted threats posed by so-called ‘weekly bazaar’ traders.’
“However, we would like to convey to your good office that the said laid down rules are not being implemented on ground to our satisfaction. Further, it has been brought to our notice that 11 such traders without valid ILP were arrested by police this morning at New Reserve Area (DEF), Mokokchung,” the two organizations stated.
The AKM and the MCCI expressed appreciation to the local enforcement but sought more clarifications from the administration. The queries from the two organizations to the administration (given verbatim):
“We appreciate the Mokokchung Police personnel for their vigilance and arresting the culprits. Basing on this case, we pose the following questions…As reported, the said 11 ILP defaulters were arrested at New Reserve area. How was it possible for them to pass through the inter-state Police check gate at Tuli area?”
The five bolero pick-up vehicles they were travelling in, along with their consignment, were reportedly not seized by the authorities. Why?” Did the pick-up vehicles have proper vehicle and road permits as per law?” Were the consignments on the said vehicles inspected by competent authorities?”
The AKM and the MCCI have demanded implementation of the provisions for the administration of the market.
“Further, we demand that the provisions laid down for the Weekly Bazaar in Mokokchung district as formulated during the meeting held on April 20, 2015 be implemented in toto or ban the so-called Weekly Bazaar immediately,” the representation added.
A separate press release from the enforcement authorities on Saturday also stated that eleven non-Naga persons were arrested on July 9 on charges of not possessing ILP.
“On 09/7/16 at around 04:30 AM while Mkg police personal were performing duty at the New Reserve area Mokokchung 11 (eleven) non local persons…” the press release from the districts’ police stated.
“(Accused persons) were arrested for non-possession of Inner Line Permit. They were travelling in the following vehicles 1. ASO28C/1284 2.AS03BC/2933 3. AS10C/4433 4. AS03BC/2804 and AS03BC/2359 (Bolero Pick Up) [sic]. In this connection the arrested persons were booked under relevant section of law and forwarded to the court,” the authorities stated.
An official document showing an order of the district administration directing scrutiny and ‘checking’ of the ‘weekly market’ was received here on Saturday. The directive was addressed to the establishments sub-division officer (civil) [Sadar] and to the extra assistant commissioner of Ongpangkong.
“On the subject cited above, I am directed to inform you to conduct checking of weekly market in your concerned jurisdiction in accordance with point 3 & 4 of the meeting held on 20th April, 2015, (meeting minutes enclosed),” the order, appended by the DC’s office, stated.
“Further, you are directed to conduct the checking along with the Food Inspector (chief medical officer) and action taken report may be submitted to this Office for further necessary action.”
Minutes of the meeting
• The DC presided over the meeting and highlighted security concerns regarding 'legitimacy' of weekly bazaars in and around the district
• Every vendor should avail valid ILP (Inner Line Permit) from the district administration
• Valid certification has to be obtained by each vendor with regard to: (a) Food Security from Food Inspector, CMO’s office
• Legal Metrology & Quality Assurance from assistant controller of' Legal Metrology & Consumer protection
• Organizing said weekly markets should be reported, in advance, to respective area administrator with:
(a) Vehicle's details along with valid vehicle permit
(b) Number of commodities arriving at the market
• Permission to weekly 'bazaar' will be given only on the fulfillment of the above mentioned criteria
• No weekly 'bazaar' shall be allowed under the jurisdiction of Mokokchung Municipal Council
• The district administration can immediately restrict said weekly 'bazaar' on the basis of law and order concerns and / or other concerns of security.
