Alarmed by the escalating cases of illegal tax collection and harassment of transporters within the state, the All Naga Traders Association Manipur (ANTAM) has demanded action against illegal tax collection and to ensure safety of the transporters.
Speaking to the media during a press meet held at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, ANTAM general secretary Paul said that it has become an open secret that illegal taxation has become the norm of the day.
Not to our least surprise, the state government has shut their senses and has paid no heed to the plight of the common man, in particular the scandalous day light looting of the public and the drivers of trucks and lowering even to the extent of threatening their life for life over ransom.
“We wrote this communique to draw the attention of the concern authorities and agencies for their effective and prompt response”, he said, adding that despite numerous complaints, the situation remains unabated, causing significant distress and concern among the trading community.
ANTAM urged the concerned authorities to take immediate action to close all check gates within the state to prevent illegal money collection from vehicles on roads, to implement effective transporter safety measures to avoid further damage and prevent accidents and establish a formal complaint mechanism for reporting illegal tax collection and harassment.
The recent incident on the intervening night of August 7, where a truck bearing registration number AS25FC 0378 was intercepted, and goods seized at the COTU gate, highlights the gravity of the situation, ANTAM said.
ANTAM demanded compensation for the seized goods and affected traders, a meeting with the concerned authorities to discuss and resolve the issue, alternative measures for revenue collection that don’t harass traders and transporters.
ANTAM also requested the state government to intervene and address this serious matter of urgent concern.
