Naga body decries CoTU's 'fee'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 03 2024:
The All Naga Traders Association Manipur (ANTAM) has decried persistent extortion by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) on National Highway-2 .
ANTAM has raised serious concern over the rising incidents of illegal tax collection and harassment directed at businesses, transporters and truckers throughout the State, particularly along the Kangpokpi-Imphal route.
ANTAM has urged the State Government to take immediate action to eradicate these illegal practices and ensure the safety of truckers and the broader business community.
These unlawful practices have regrettably become commonplace, compounded by the State Government's apparent neglect of the community's struggles, ANTAM said in a press release.
Despite numerous complaints from affected parties, these illegal activities continue unchecked, causing significant distress within the trading community, it said.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) persists in demanding unauthorised fees at checkpoints, targeting both trucks carrying goods as well as empty trucks, all under the guise of soliciting donations, it said.
"ANTAM has actively sought to address these pressing issues, striving to maintain a steady supply of essential goods and services to the valley region.
However, our efforts have been undermined by these unethical practices", it further declared.
If the State Government fails to respond to this urgent situation, ANTAM will have no choice but to enforce an indefinite economic blockade on NH-2 (Senapati-Imphal road) with effect from October 8 midnight, it added.