DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (MExN): While welcoming the Nagaland Government’s recent order for removal of all check gates in the State, barring inter-state check gates, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) urged the government to strictly implement the orders this time.
A press release from the DCCI reminded that various government departments and agencies have made a “mockery” of past government notifications on banning of check gates by re-opening check gates and toll booths.
The removal of check gates, it stated, would “surely have a positive cascading effect on prices of goods and essential commodities.”
The DCCI further stated that Dimapur based transporters are still facing the brunt of illegal taxation and harassment from various groups and anti-social elements. “These groups and elements are indulging in ‘dalali’ practices and pressure tactics on transporters including forced closure of transport offices and subtle threats through SMSs,” it informed.
The DCCI said that the business community and transporters would never bow down to such pressure tactics. “It is also the bounden duty of the government to take stringent measures to curb such illegal activities, which amount to daylight robbery, and to book and award befitting punishment to the culprits as per law of the land,” it added.
It stated that if the authorities concerned do not take immediate steps to check harassment of transporters and business community as a whole, then the business community would be compelled to file FIRs.
With the latest order, the DCCI hoped that government departments would also fall in line. “Besides, as per the GST regime, collection of municipal toll tax at check gates has become obsolete. It is evident that with doing away of toll tax, prices of all goods and essential commodities would be reduced which in turn would benefit the general public and consumers,” the DCCI noted.
For long, Dimapur has been called as the ‘commercial hub’ of ‘commercial district’ of Nagaland, it said, however adding that “in reality, today most activities have shifted to neighbouring towns in Assam.” Dimapur, it noted, at present is no longer a vibrant commercial hub due to rampant and illegal taxation by both government agencies and various groups.
“It is the collective responsibility of the government and every citizen of Dimapur to see that the city prospers and flourish,” the DCCI appealed.
