Source: North East Press Service
Kohima, June 23 (NEPS):
The un-release of the 15 trucks loaded with imported Myanmar timbers even after 6 days of detaining by the DFO, Kohima here at By-pass check gate is likely to invite a serious "Contempt of Court" as imported timbers which came from Moreh have reportedly all the necessary valid documents and legal papers from the Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ukhrul.
It may be mentioned that these 15 trucks laden with imported Myanmar timbers were detained by DFO, Kohima on 18th June 2005 at 3 p.m.here at by-pass check gate on the ground that these imported Myanmar timbers were not having Transit Pass (TP).
However, the MM International Moreh, Manipur, India that had bought the Myanmar timbers from Han Export and Import Tamu MYO, Myanmar had denied that it had brought the timbers without TP and other valid documents.
"We have come with all the necessary documents and legal papers as Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench as well as Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ukhrul had already ruled that our 15 trucks with imported Myanmar timbers be allowed to reach the destination without any disturbances from the State Forest departments," explained by M Indrasen Singh, president of the MM International Moreh, Manipur, India.
Since the State Forest department (Nagaland) has still detained their 15 laden trucks with imported Myanmar timbers since 18 June 2005 here at Check gate despite showing to them all the necessary documents and the rulings of Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ukhrul, there is no option except suing against the their (Department) dishonoring the rulings of the Courts, Indrasen added.
Meanwhile, according to an order issued by High Power Committee (HPC) for the North-East Region which was constituted by the Supreme Court pointed out that it (HPC) was empowered for "detention, seizure, confiscation, etc, of timber and timber products and vehicles carrying them." It further contended that the "HPC's order can be challenged only before the Supreme Court".
Indrasen however urged that HPC's order was connected with the timbers originated from Northeast India and nothing to do with imported timbers such as "Myanmar timbers." Therefore after thoroughly examining the cases, the "two Courts - Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ukhrul - had passed rulings allowing us to proceed to our destination," he asserted.
There should not be any confusion in this, he stated.
Regarding TP, he reiterated that it was not necessary as the timbers were imported ones as per the Indo-Myanmar Trade Agreement.
However with regards to the non-payment of the "Customs duty," the MM International Moreh, Manipur explained it had applied for payment the same but the Customs Department could not fix the rates at the moment.