Dimapur, June 8 (MExN): Even as trucks coming from other states into Dimapur continue to face the heat of ‘taxing’ regularly, it doesn’t end there. The condition is worse in the interior districts of Nagaland as local trucks are being taxed exorbitantly by underground groups operating in those areas.
The ‘region wise tax’ has left private truck owners in disarray; not knowing whether the people collecting taxes genuinely belong to underground groups or impostors. Many trucks in Dimapur don’t want to travel into interior districts and vice-versa. Now truck drivers say ‘taxing’ is taking a toll on their livelihood either way.
Some truck owner disclosed that Phek and Tuensang are places where highest ‘taxes’ are imposed. With different ‘region wise’ groups located in all nooks and corners, it is difficult to return from a trip in these places without shelling out atleast Rs.15,000. Interestingly, most underground tax gates are located just a few metres away from police check gates, it is reported. A trucker said that as much as three underground groups have their gates in one long stretch of road in places like Chozuba in Phek. In a recent incident, a truck owner said he was surprised to see a little boy aged around thirteen with a gun asking him if he had ‘cut the challan’. Because all trucks operate after paying their yearly tax to underground groups, the people at the gates collect money in the form of ‘maal (goods) tax’. Since trucks generally travel back with firewood to save on losses, the groups enjoy two way taxing.
Trucks coming into Dimapur from interior districts are also having a harrowing time. Many truck drivers have been physically manhandled several times for non-compliance in paying tax. Instance when drivers carry accounted money meant for payments only; they are subject to all sorts of threats and abuses. Drivers say that the cadres spring up anywhere, anytime after they enter Chumukedima. Most heavy and medium sized trucks that come to Dimapur belong to businessmen. Apart from trucks that carry timber, which are taxed heavily, most come to Dimapur to carry essential commodities. Price hike, especially of perishable commodities, is set in places like Zunheboto, Kiphire and Phek to make up for all the losses of paying taxes. And despite losses incurred by ‘taxing,’ truck owners carry on their business for survival.
