DIMAPUR, JANUARY 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has resolved that the Naga political groups should impose only a single central tax on every timber-laden truck and that imposition of taxes at the regional and other levels should be done away with.
This was resolved by the NTTU during an executive meeting deliberation of the excessive taxation imposed by various Naga political groups and government departments, informed a press note from the NTTU, President, Kevise Sogotsu.
The NTTU, it stated, has taken serious note of the excessive taxation imposed on timber-laden trucks plying between Kiphire and Dimapur by various Naga political groups. It asked the groups whether “solution to the Naga political problem will be found in Kiphire district, taking into account the excess tax levied in the district.”
It further highlighted the “illegal taxation” imposed by the Nagaland State Government departments and agencies like the Police, Excise and Forest at every conceivable check gates and entry points.
“As per Naga tradition and under Article 371 (A), ownership of the land and resources belong to the people. Accordingly, no NPG or state government agency has the right to impose tax on any produce such as paddy, vegetable or timbre produced or grown in one’s own field or forest,” the NTTU reasoned.
It further questioned the Nagaland State Forest Department that if timbre falls within the ambit of the department, “then why the department is keeping silent on tax imposed at various check gates by other Police and Excise departments.”
“Further, we wonder why public and NGOs of Kiphire district are keeping mum on the taxation issue. It is high time for the Naga public to rise up and curb the taxation menace, which is eating into the very vitals of Naga society,” it said.
“At this rate, many Naga families who depend on timber and timber business for a living would die of starvation after paying all taxes,” the NTTU cautioned.
The NTTU further furnished details of taxation levied per truck by the Naga political groups and government agencies from Kiphire to Dimapur.
