DIMAPUR — The GB Union Dimapur (Sadar) has expressed concern over the multiple taxation imposed by Naga political groups on all commodities, which has led to sky-rocketing of prices in Dimapur.
In a press release, the GBUD(S) maintained that though multiple taxes are being extracted from the traders initially, it is the common people, being the consumers, who have to face the brunt in the end.
Reaffirming the Dimapur public resolution ‘One government, one tax’ adopted on October 31, 2013 under the aegis of the Dimapur Naga Council, the union insisted that the Naga political groups must listen to the cry of their own people who are in great despair.
While expressing empathy with the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on the harassment meted to the business community due to multiple taxation, the union however was of the opinion that indefinite shutter-down or bandh should only be the last resort, considering the inconvenience to the public.
The GBUD(S) however said that it is not averse to “support any extreme step” if the menace of unabated multiple taxation does not stop.
“At the same time, it cautions the business establishments not to create artificial price rise scenario taking the undue advantage of the already aggravated situation putting the public in dire condition,” it said.
The union also urged the government machineries do sternly deal with those “unscrupulous traders” indulging in unfair business practices such as tampering of price tags and selling inferior quality products at higher price etc.
“It has also strongly viewed that in order to curb anti-social elements and multiple taxation saga, any individual/organisations in the guise of committees indulging in unauthorised collections should be curtailed since it is adding to the burden of the business community and affecting the society in the form of indirect price escalation,” it said.
Meanwhile, as per the directive from the district administration, the union cautioned individuals who are not officially appointed as GB and without registration number issued by the government, from using GB seal and letter pad.
The GBUD(S) further informed its members to submit a photo copy of appointment order and membership fee for the year 2024 latest by the month of April. Without enrolment as a member in the union, no GB shall be entitled to participate in the union activities, it added.