Demand of 1 pc sales tax slur on NSCN (IM)
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 17 2019:
In the midst of the growing tension over possible negative impacts of the Naga peace deal to the integrity of Manipur and the sanctity of its territorial boundary, NSCN-IM has been allegedly demanding one per cent sales tax on all essential commodities transported along Jiribam-Imphal route.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, Manipur Traders and Transporters Association Against Extortion on NH 37 secretary L Jayananda said that traders and transporters have been suffering all kinds of harassment, extortion and physical assault on the National Highways at the hands of militants since a long time back.
He said that NSCN-IM has been forcibly collecting Rs 3000 per trip from drivers transporting essential commodities along Jiribam-Imphal route.
If any driver fails to pay the extortion money, they are beaten up and the goods they are transporting are pulled down and thus spoiled.
Meanwhile, one John of NSCN-IM has been exerting strong pressure on traders and transporters demanding one per cent sales tax for every item transported along the highway.
This one per cent sales tax is calculated on the price of each item, Jayananda said.
Recently, some vehicles were detained and many of the goods were pulled down and spoiled.
Unable to bear such harassment, all the traders and transporters of the State held a joint meeting on November 15 at the Manipur Press Club and the Manipur Traders and Transporters Association Against Extortion on NH 37 was formed, Jayananda conveyed.
The association has resolved to tackle the situation together with CSOs and people of the State.
Subsequently, the association has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister to ensure that there is no extortion of any kind on Imphal-Jiribam highway.
The association will call on Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and hand over a memorandum tomorrow.
Moreover, the same memorandum would be submitted to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, Jayananda said.
If extortion still continues on Imphal-Jiribam highway, the association will join hands with CSOs and the public to launch democratic modes of agitation, he added.
He then appealed to the NSCN-IM to withdraw its decision of imposing sales tax on goods transported to Manipur through Jiribam.