DIMAPUR: DMC Councillor of Ward 19 (New Market), Kili N. Sumi, has strongly condemned the alleged practice of illegal taxation and unauthorised collection of money from business establishments in New Market.
In a statement, Kili said there was no justification for any individual, association or organisation to impose or collect money from traders through pressure, intimidation or coercion.
He said New Market was a major commercial centre where hundreds of business owners, traders and workers earned their livelihood, adding that their right to conduct business peacefully should be respected.
He said no trader should be forced to pay any unauthorised tax, levy, contribution or collection simply because an association or individual claimed authority over the market.
Kili said illegal taxation could not be allowed to operate under the name of any association, society, business body or individual.
He maintained that any collection of money must have a lawful basis, proper authorisation and transparency, and that organisations could not create their own rules and impose financial demands on traders outside the law.
He urged the district administration to examine the registration and legal status of societies and associations operating in New Market, including whether their activities and financial collections were within the objectives and powers for which they were registered.
Kili also appealed to the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to examine its members and associated business organisations and ensure that they were functioning within the law.
He said allegations of illegal taxation, extortion, intimidation or forced collection should be properly examined and accountability fixed.
He appealed to business owners and traders not to remain silent or succumb to pressure when faced with unlawful demands and to approach the police or competent authorities to report such incidents.
Kili said no individual, association or organisation was above the law and illegal taxation should not be “normalised, institutionalised or permitted to take root” in New Market.
He said those claiming authority to collect money from traders should demonstrate the legal basis for such collection.
Kili also appreciated the prompt action taken by the Sub-Urban Police Station, Dimapur, and police personnel concerned in connection with the alleged illegal taxation and extortion activities.
He said the arrest of a member of the New Market Business Owners’ Association (NMBOA) in connection with the alleged illegal taxation was a serious matter, adding that the police action was important for restoring confidence among the business community and ensuring that law-abiding traders could carry out their businesses peacefully.
Thursday, October 1, 2026