Dimapur | September 15 : The police and the Dimapur Municipal Council got a real bashing at a meeting called primarily to assess the security scenario of Dimapur; the extortions and the illegal taxes that has become the norm. Chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, N. Husheli Sema, the conference held Thursday, September 15 had in attendance the Superintendent of Police Z. Mero, CEO of the DMC Imtirenla Jamir, the Additional Deputy Commissioner and other administrative officers, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry led by its President, Naga Council Dimapur led by President Savi Liegise, Dimapur GBs union, members of the business community, transport unions, and other civil society representatives.
‘Taxation’ by uniformed personnel as well as underground elements’ a menace to business
A lack of ‘political will’ is what is aiding the current situation in Dimapur, summed up the President of the Naga Council Dimapur. Political will on the part of the government or the powers that be is a must so that the police and the administrative machinery act without any fear of reprisals, said Liegise.
The meeting discussed, what has already been discussed at other similar meets – extortion and illegal collection carried out by the various underground factions and the myriad number of recognized and illegitimate unions. Interestingly, this time the limelight of the meeting was on the detestable practice of unauthorized monetary collection by uniformed law enforcement personnel at the check gates as well as within the town limits.
A kind of a ‘no-holds-barred’ debate, the DMC was also not spared with the business community revealing what it termed as random enhancement of trade fees and imposing of other superfluous collections by the municipal body on transporters and business establishments. The Dimapur GBs Union was in for a rude shock or rather embarrassment, when it was pointed out that members from the revered elderly community were themselves indulging in realizing ‘taxes’ from small time business people.
A representative of the GBs union had to hastily clarify that the union was authorized to collect a token sum from the vendors during the weekly Wednesday bazaar at Super Market, but not on all days. The representative nevertheless, assured to look into it. Any of its members caught defaulting will be immediately handed over to the district administration for punitive action, he said. Traffic congestion in the main thoroughfares also figured among the discussions.
Newly instated CEO of the DMC reacting to the allegations said that a lot of malpractices and mismanagement were noticed within the body in the one month since she has taken over. The DMC has an excess employment of 4th grade staffers, it was revealed. Earlier, DCCI President Hukivi Chishi had brought to notice that the municipal body is charging ‘parking taxes’ to the tune of Rs. 520 per vehicle (commercial goods carriers entering the town) citing it is a one time payment for a month, whereas the actual rate per truck (medium/heavy) is Rs. 20 per day. They have also arbitrarily increased the fee for obtaining or renewing trade licence, a 200% enhancement from the existing rate according to him.
A member of the DMC advisory committee explained that it was necessitated to meet the expenses of the municipal body stating the DMC is burdened with a financial deficit of over Rs. 2 crore. The DC remarking on this said: “Recovering your debt should not be at the cost of the public” while adding “whatever you do, do so in a justifiable manner.” The DC also suggested terminating the services of under-performing assets (employees) and those which are not required.
Threats and intimidations on the business community by the underground elements notwithstanding, ‘taxation’ by police personnel at the check gates and within the town limits on goods carriers is putting a heavy toll on transporters. Transporters, not even for once go past uniformed personnel without stopping the vehicles for uncalled for reasons and imposing monetary fines, a transport worker said. And rarely is a receipt given for the ‘fine’ imposed, the worker added.
Mobile police patrols also came under much criticism citing the patrol personnel themselves drink (alcohol) while on duty, extracting some few bottles for free from any of the many illegal liquor outlets in town. Further, it was stated that other government agencies other than the police have again opened office at the check gates, particularly New Field Check Post; add to that the many unions.
The SP without denying the indulgence of police personnel in unathorised and unethical practices, called upon any citizen to immediately bring to the notice of the SP’s office, if and when malpractices by uniformed personnel are witnessed. The SP said that the citizens can always note down the number of the defaulting ‘Flying Squad’ vehicle and forward it to his office. On the threats and demands, the SP made it clear to the business community to not hesitate to inform the police. The ADC seconded by stating that the need of the hour is support and cooperation of the public while reminding that there is also a limit to what the police and the administration can do. The recent split in the GPRN/NSCN has also added to the burden of the business community, one businessman pointed out.
Dimapur traffic congestion without solution
While discussing on the headache that is the traffic congestion, a not so startling revelation was brought to light. Back in 2009, it was proposed at a similar meeting that to ease the traffic congestion at Circular Road (starting Clock Tower till the Foot overbridge), an alternative route be arranged for vehicles dropping off students of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School. The plan was to cut out a road through the footpath (near Popular Bakery) leading to Nepali Basti.
The road, in theory was to traverse a portion of the HCHSS campus and exit at Nepali Basti. A blueprint of the project was also designed and a sum of around 15 lakh sanctioned, it was revealed in the meeting. The school concerned welcoming the project had demolished some structures within the campus to make way for the road. Only it never saw the light of day. Good news did emerge out of the meeting. The DC hinted at lifting the ‘Sunday Shopping’ ban formerly imposed by the district administration.
‘Taxation’ by uniformed personnel as well as underground elements’ a menace to business
A lack of ‘political will’ is what is aiding the current situation in Dimapur, summed up the President of the Naga Council Dimapur. Political will on the part of the government or the powers that be is a must so that the police and the administrative machinery act without any fear of reprisals, said Liegise.
The meeting discussed, what has already been discussed at other similar meets – extortion and illegal collection carried out by the various underground factions and the myriad number of recognized and illegitimate unions. Interestingly, this time the limelight of the meeting was on the detestable practice of unauthorized monetary collection by uniformed law enforcement personnel at the check gates as well as within the town limits.
A kind of a ‘no-holds-barred’ debate, the DMC was also not spared with the business community revealing what it termed as random enhancement of trade fees and imposing of other superfluous collections by the municipal body on transporters and business establishments. The Dimapur GBs Union was in for a rude shock or rather embarrassment, when it was pointed out that members from the revered elderly community were themselves indulging in realizing ‘taxes’ from small time business people.
A representative of the GBs union had to hastily clarify that the union was authorized to collect a token sum from the vendors during the weekly Wednesday bazaar at Super Market, but not on all days. The representative nevertheless, assured to look into it. Any of its members caught defaulting will be immediately handed over to the district administration for punitive action, he said. Traffic congestion in the main thoroughfares also figured among the discussions.
Newly instated CEO of the DMC reacting to the allegations said that a lot of malpractices and mismanagement were noticed within the body in the one month since she has taken over. The DMC has an excess employment of 4th grade staffers, it was revealed. Earlier, DCCI President Hukivi Chishi had brought to notice that the municipal body is charging ‘parking taxes’ to the tune of Rs. 520 per vehicle (commercial goods carriers entering the town) citing it is a one time payment for a month, whereas the actual rate per truck (medium/heavy) is Rs. 20 per day. They have also arbitrarily increased the fee for obtaining or renewing trade licence, a 200% enhancement from the existing rate according to him.
A member of the DMC advisory committee explained that it was necessitated to meet the expenses of the municipal body stating the DMC is burdened with a financial deficit of over Rs. 2 crore. The DC remarking on this said: “Recovering your debt should not be at the cost of the public” while adding “whatever you do, do so in a justifiable manner.” The DC also suggested terminating the services of under-performing assets (employees) and those which are not required.
Threats and intimidations on the business community by the underground elements notwithstanding, ‘taxation’ by police personnel at the check gates and within the town limits on goods carriers is putting a heavy toll on transporters. Transporters, not even for once go past uniformed personnel without stopping the vehicles for uncalled for reasons and imposing monetary fines, a transport worker said. And rarely is a receipt given for the ‘fine’ imposed, the worker added.
Mobile police patrols also came under much criticism citing the patrol personnel themselves drink (alcohol) while on duty, extracting some few bottles for free from any of the many illegal liquor outlets in town. Further, it was stated that other government agencies other than the police have again opened office at the check gates, particularly New Field Check Post; add to that the many unions.
The SP without denying the indulgence of police personnel in unathorised and unethical practices, called upon any citizen to immediately bring to the notice of the SP’s office, if and when malpractices by uniformed personnel are witnessed. The SP said that the citizens can always note down the number of the defaulting ‘Flying Squad’ vehicle and forward it to his office. On the threats and demands, the SP made it clear to the business community to not hesitate to inform the police. The ADC seconded by stating that the need of the hour is support and cooperation of the public while reminding that there is also a limit to what the police and the administration can do. The recent split in the GPRN/NSCN has also added to the burden of the business community, one businessman pointed out.
Dimapur traffic congestion without solution
While discussing on the headache that is the traffic congestion, a not so startling revelation was brought to light. Back in 2009, it was proposed at a similar meeting that to ease the traffic congestion at Circular Road (starting Clock Tower till the Foot overbridge), an alternative route be arranged for vehicles dropping off students of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School. The plan was to cut out a road through the footpath (near Popular Bakery) leading to Nepali Basti.
The road, in theory was to traverse a portion of the HCHSS campus and exit at Nepali Basti. A blueprint of the project was also designed and a sum of around 15 lakh sanctioned, it was revealed in the meeting. The school concerned welcoming the project had demolished some structures within the campus to make way for the road. Only it never saw the light of day. Good news did emerge out of the meeting. The DC hinted at lifting the ‘Sunday Shopping’ ban formerly imposed by the district administration.
