Nagaland Cong to stage agitation against inflation, hike in fuel rates

Dimapur, July 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) will join the nationwide protest called by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) against unreasonable price hike on petrol, diesel and LPG with effect from July 7- 17. 

NPCC President, K Therie on Monday made an appeal to the civil societies, chamber of commerce, trade unions, associations and well wishers for co-operation and to support the protest.

According to the Nagaland Congress chief, from 2014 to 2021 Excise duty has increased by 307%. State VAT by 68% + Covid Cess. LPG price has increased by over 100% and Super Kerosene Oil (poor man’s fuel) price increased from Rs 15 to Rs39 per litre all in 6 years.

This increase in petrol, diesel, LPG and SK Oil price hike has hit the economy of each and every life. “Government must roll back the prices. The situation is going from bad to worse with the pandemic and lockdown. Unemployment is at its peak but people have no option as Banks and Financial Institutions are not willing to implement the policy of GoI on MSME collateral free loan,” NPCC stated while mentioning, “added with State Government refusing the application of SARFAESI Act and non declaration of cadastral areas.”

It also expressed concern that with late monsoon the situation is threatening. “The Government has no control over prices. I think they do not even read the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 and its amendments that are impacting price rise in the Nation. To control extortion they should also read and enforce the Society Registration Act 1860 and regulate in accordance. We have hundreds of societies collecting fees, tax etc which are added to the prices of materials in Nagaland,” it alleged. 

He said that the peaceful protest will follow Covid-19 SOPs and the protest will be through social media, posters, banners and stickers appealing to Government to roll back Excise duty, VAT and Covid-Cess. NPCC will also obtain signatures of those who want to sign in the demand letter to roll back prices and submit memo to Governor to constitute an Independent Price Commission and High Power Committee to streamline fees, donation, contribution and extortions, it added.