Phek traders suspend tax payments citing overlapping financial demands, urging one government one tax framework to protect businesses.
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DIMAPUR — The Phek District Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PDCCI) has announced a temporary suspension of tax and financial contributions by its business members, citing growing economic pressure from multiple and overlapping financial demands.
In a press release issued after consultations with affiliated towns and unit bodies across the district, the chamber said the decision was taken following “careful and collective deliberation” in view of the economic challenges faced by the business community.
The PDCCI stated that taxation in a structured and accountable system of governance must be centralised, transparent and uniform. It maintained that multiple and fragmented financial demands from different entities create economic uncertainty, weaken investor confidence and disrupt normal commercial activity within the district.
Calling for the establishment of a unified ‘One Government–One Tax’ framework, the organisation observed that continued fragmented collection practices indirectly encourage the multiplication of separate entities seeking financial contributions, placing undue burden on traders and entrepreneurs and perpetuating instability in the district’s economic framework. It said a unified and structured approach was necessary to prevent further economic fragmentation and promote long-term stability.
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Pointing out that nearly 96% of business establishments in Phek district are owned and operated by local Naga entrepreneurs, the PDCCI said repeated and overlapping financial demands directly affect local families, youth and households striving to sustain livelihoods. It noted that the business community operates without additional institutional financial support and that any contributions intended for collective welfare must be structured equitably and uniformly rather than disproportionately imposed on one sector.
The PDCCI reiterated its “deep respect for the historical and political aspirations of the Naga people,” but stated that respect for nationalism cannot translate into acceptance of coercive financial demands, multiple taxation practices, intimidation or disruption of lawful trade. It stressed that political processes and economic survival must remain distinct to ensure that ordinary citizens are not disproportionately burdened.
It further expressed concern over the impact on small and medium enterprises, rural traders and first-generation entrepreneurs. It said many young Nagas attempting to start businesses already bear statutory permit charges, town council fees and operational expenses, and that additional overlapping “special contributions” create excessive financial pressure and discourage youth entrepreneurship at a time of high unemployment.
The PDCCI resolved that until all parties concerned unite under a single agreed and structured authority and a clear, transparent and uniform taxation framework is established, its members will temporarily suspend payment of tax or financial contributions to any individual group or entity.
Describing the move as “not an act of confrontation but a principled economic position,” the organisation said it remains committed to peace, lawful governance and constructive engagement, and appealed to all stakeholders to work toward a transparent and unified framework that ensures both political stability and economic growth in Phek district.