
Dimapur, December 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) on Sunday drew attention to the ‘rampant and forceful taxation’ and unchecked ‘money lending business’ in the state, with a call for action.
In a press release, NTTU President Kevise Sogotsu apprised the state government, respective district administrations and law enforcing agencies that these illegal taxations levied by various armed groups and unions have choked the business community at large. It said that the many from the business community, including local entrepreneurs, have been compelled to temporarily shut down their businesses while waiting for the situation to improve.
Some businessmen and entrepreneurs have switched to other professions to get rid of the scourge of illegal taxation, it said while adding that the “business community and entrepreneurs cannot cough up any more money to pay illegal taxes.”
Scores of Naga frontal organisations, civil society and business communities have written hundreds of representations to the authorities concerned, but so far they have miserably failed to address the issue of illegal taxation, the NTTU stated.
Further, it also underscored another ‘social menace’ that has been on for quite some years— money lending business, which is especially prevalent in Kohima and Dimapur.
“Unscrupulous loan sharks, unions or societies lend money at high interest rates to individuals or families who are in dire need of money to meet emergency cases such as medical treatment. If these individuals or families fail to meet the payment deadline, then the money lenders do not show any compunction and immediately seize their property (land, house, etc.),” it claimed.
These two menaces – illegal taxation and money lending- have brought tears to many families this festive season, the NTTU maintained while questioning why the authorities concerned including the district administration and police, are silent on these two issues.
“The government also should come out with strict guidelines to check the money-lending business. In the present scenario, the Naga public will feel more secure if President’s Rule is imposed in Nagaland,” it added.