EMN
Dimapur, January 24
The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) in its executive meeting held on January 21 deliberated on the excessive taxation imposed by various Naga political groups (NPGs) and government departments.
NTTU President Kevise Sogotsu in a press note said, after threadbare discussion, the union resolved that NPGs should impose only a single central tax on every timber-laden truck and that imposition of taxes at the regional and other levels should be done away with.
NTTU has taken serious note of the excessive taxation imposed on timber-laden trucks plying between Kiphire and Dimapur by various NPGs and questioned NPGs as to whether solution to Naga political problem will be found in Kiphire district, taking into account the excess tax levied in the district.
NTTU also highlighted the “illegal taxation” imposed by State government departments and agencies like the Police, Excise and Forest at all check gates and entry points.
“As per Naga tradition and under Article 371 (A), ownership of the land and resources belong to the people. Accordingly, no NPG or State government agency has the right to impose tax on any produce such as paddy, vegetable or timbre produced or grown in one’s own field or forest.”
NTTU questioned the Forest department that “if timbre falls within the ambit of the department, then why the department is keeping silent on tax imposed at various check gates by other Police and Excise.”
The union also wondered as to why public and NGOs of Kiphire district were keeping silent on the taxation issue. “It is high time for the Naga public to rise up and curb the taxation menace, which is eating into the very vitals of Naga society.”
NTTU also highlighted the details of taxation levied per truck by NPGs and others from Kiphire to Dimapur. “At this rate, many Naga families who depend on timber and timber business for a living would die of starvation after paying all taxes.”
