Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 2
IF THE so-called “tax” demanded from the transporters by various underground groups and petty criminal gangs continues, the rates of essential commodities, both major and minor, will very soon double in Nagaland, especially in the commercial capital of Dimapur.
Talking to a cross-section of transporters who are stationed at Khatkhati and Lahorijan areas under Karbi Anglong district in Assam, they say, “We have to pay tax ranging from Rs.5,000 to Rs.30,000 to different organisations depending upon the goods we carry.” They revealed that “Rs.5,000 has to be paid annually to one party alone by one transporter and in turn they will receive ‘cash payment receipt’ of the underground outfit and also protection from petty criminals. However, if the transporter negotiates and settles for minimum cash, then there will be neither ‘cash payment receipt’ of the underground outfit nor “protection from petty criminals”, it was revealed.
Some of the transporters, since the last three to four months, have not entered Dimapur only because of the so-called “tax” by various underground outfits as well as the petty criminal gangs. Most of the transporters prefer to unload the goods in Khatkhati and Lahorijan areas since these organisations do not enter Assam to demand tax. So, they feel quite safe and secure to unload the goods and deliver it to the respective parties (businessmen) of Nagaland.
However, many transporters have to enter and cross Dimapur to deliver the goods to parties in Imphal, in Manipur. They, however, point out that “the moment we enter Dimapur and travel along the stretch of National Highway–39 till Imphal, we have to pay numerous taxes, both legal and illegal”. And in case of non-payment of tax to undergrounds, the transporters say, the documents and keys of the vehicle are confiscated and sometimes the drivers are badly beaten and later picked up or kidnapped by them. “They will not release the documents or the person until we pay their demanded tax,” the transporters voice.
“It is not only the transporters who have to pay, but the businessman who receives the goods has to pay as well since the undergrounds follow the vehicle till the godown,” they (transporters) enlighten. The transporters who travel from all over India, especially Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati, say, “We do not face any such problem in other states; however, fear grips our mind when we enter and travel through Dimapur.”
The transporters are of the opinion that “all are corrupt over here” while some also term the underground outfits as the “‘Talibans’ of India” since they simply do not understand the problems that the transporters face, but rather demand money on every occasion.”
