Says ‘illegal taxation and extortion’ driving away businesses from Nagaland
Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) today commended to the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) for jointly adopting a resolution on October 7 to "jointly combat the menace of unabated taxation, which has crippled the local economy."
"This far-reaching resolution is primarily for the overall welfare of our society and should be applauded by one and all," stated the DCCI in a press release issued by its Vice President, V Shikuto Achumi.
As a business community, the chamber has always been at the forefront in addressing the menace of illegal taxation, extortion, donations, and the syndicate system, which has burdened the business community for decades, it maintained.
According to the DCCI, the rampant "illegal taxation and extortion have severely hampered the local economy," leading many businesses and potential investors to avoid investing in Nagaland, especially Dimapur.
"Trade and commercial activities, which were expected to thrive in Dimapur, are now relocating to neighbouring towns in Assam," the DCCI pointed out.
To illustrate this, it claimed that the volume of goods and materials arriving from freight trains in Dimapur has reduced significantly, by nearly 70%.
The fleet of goods transport vehicles at Dimapur railway station, which once numbered over 250, has now dwindled to hardly 100 vehicles and is declining rapidly, it added.
Furthermore, the DCCI emphasised that the syndicate system looms over hardworking local entrepreneurs like a dark cloud. Even fresh vegetables coming from outside the state have fallen victim to this syndicate system, it added.
The chamber also argued that items on which GST has been paid should be allowed to enter Nagaland without any obstacles, as they are legal products and should not be taxed multiple times.
While appreciating the WSH and CPO, the DCCI also urged both organisations to actively pursue the resolutions adopted and not falter, as the common people who are suffering are standing behind them.
Meanwhile, with the upcoming festive season, the DCCI reminded the peace-loving citizens of Dimapur to remain vigilant, as there will be a surge in anti-social activities such as forceful donation drives, theft, burglary, and incidents of being duped.
It further requested the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, to enhance security measures and deploy a sufficient number of police personnel in the city in the interest of the business community and the public in general.
