Poultry Farmers' Association
DIMAPUR, JUNE 7 (MExN): The Dimapur Poultry Farmer’s Association has welcomed the initiative of the Naga Council to curb illegal activities by forming the ACAUT. A press note by the President, Advisor and General Secretary of the DPFA extended its full support and co operation to the ACAUT in the days to come. Providing an outline of the history of poultry farming in the state, the DPFA stated that if the industry had been “allowed to grow without interference from numerous unseen forces, then Nagas would today be self sufficient in the poultry sector.”
It however lamented that only a few farms remain functional. It added that the main reason for the closure of farms was due to the problem in marketing of ready birds. It alleged that the problem was brought about by the establishment of a dealership/commission agent at New Market, Dimapur, in the early part of 2002. It further said that the establishment of this dealership system prevented farmers from selling their birds without going through the agent first. According to the DPFA, it also meant that retailers could not pick up the birds directly from the farmers “for fear of backlash from the commission agents.”
It said that due to this situation, many Naga farmers had to incur huge losses and most had to close down their farms. It further alleged that many farmers are yet to receive “lacs of rupees from this commission/dealership agent.” It also expressed concern that the NPFA’s appeal to the dealership office to work for the welfare of the Naga poultry farmers fell on “deaf ears.” It added that the association had also apprised the District administration and the DMC on the issue, “but nothing was done.”
Eastern Naga Students Union
The Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUD) has extended support towards the fight against illegal taxation by the Civil Societies of Dimapur through the Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT). The Union called upon various organisations and citizens to come forward and support the cause. While lauding ACAUT efforts, the union expressed concern over the present menace of taxation practices. ENSUD, President, P Honko Luklem, in a press release said, “The public are the victim at the end of the day and for how long are we to bear the suffering of this disease.” Meanwhile, the Union also extended its appreciation and full support for the demand of the foothill road construction. It further urged the State government to take necessary steps at the earliest possible notice without any more delay.
Chumukedima GBs
The GBs of Chumukedima Town resolved to extend all possible co-operation and support to ACAUT under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur at its meeting on May 5. A press release by the Chumukedima Head GB stated that the meeting pointed out that the sole cause of the National movement was to free Nagas from all subjugation and not to form groups and extort money from the Nagas. “Presently, with multiple forceful taxation by several factions, enough damage has been done to the public,” it pointed out. Further, it condemned the introduction of dealership system (Syndicate) “where free and healthy competitive market is challenged by monopoly in the market.” Therefore, it has requested the authorities concerned to immediately abolish the dealership system.
