AYO to conduct taxi verification drive from June 24

Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has announced that it will carry out a Taxi Verification Drive in Kohima district from June 24 to 28, 2025.
The decision was made at a public during a press conference held at the AYO office on Saturday.
Addressing the media, AYO president Kesosul Christopher Ltu said the organisation has been studying the taxi system in Kohima for nearly a year and found key issues such as traffic congestion and irregularities in taxi permit issuance.
Ltu said that although the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kohima issues most permits, there are loopholes and inconsistencies.
He added that some drivers operate without valid licences and that taxi permit transfers—prohibited by rules—have become a common practice.
To address these issues, AYO formed a dedicated committee and consulted concerned authorities, including the district administration. AYO has proposed corrective measures to ensure proper regulation and ease traffic congestion.
Ltu said verified taxis will be issued a sticker bearing a serial number, seal, and signature.
Taxis without the verification sticker will not be allowed to operate within Kohima.
Currently, Kohima has: 3,262 active local and regional taxi; 689 permits older than 15 years and a total of 3,951 taxis.
AYO joint secretary and committee member, Vipu Zashümo, said the drive will strictly cover all taxis in Kohima.
He pointed out that despite a government ban on new taxi permits since July 6, 2022, over 300 new permits were issued—raising concerns about procedural lapses.
AYO informed that verification will commence from 9 am onwards- on June 21: New Reserve, Lerie/CRPF Camp, AG, BOC, Japfü Hotel, Jail Colony, Agri, Forest Colony, Paramedical; June 25- Chandmari, PWD, Town Area (Phoolbari, NST, TCP Gate, Hospital Colony, Old MLA Junction, Local Ground, Razhü Point); June 26- High School, Khikha Colony, Secretariat Area, ISBT and June 27–28- All regional/zonal taxis and local taxis without designated parking.
AYO press secretary Thepfusavi Suohu stated that the drive will also check for illegal permit transfers. Required documents include Aadhaar card and vehicle papers for owners, and Aadhaar, driving licence, and ANTA ID for drivers.
AYO general secretary Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü said random permit issuance has caused disorder and raised concern about non-indigenous individuals holding multiple permits, limiting opportunities for unemployed Naga youth.
He appealed to all taxi owners and drivers in Kohima to fully cooperate with the drive, which is being carried out in coordination with the district administration and Kohima RTO.