Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) have separately extended support to the joint resolution adopted by the Chakhroma Public Organisations (CPO) and the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) of October 7, 2023 to jointly curb the menace of taxation, which has crippled local economy.
DCCI: Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) appreciated CPO and WSH for their resolution to “jointly check the menace of unabated taxation”.
In a press release, through its vice president V Shikuto Achumi said that the “far-reaching resolution” of CPO and WSH was primarily for the overall welfare of the society and should be applauded by one and all. As a business community, DCCI said it has always been at the forefront on the menace of illegal taxation, extortion, donation and syndicate system, which had been borne mostly by the business community for decades.
The chamber stated that rampant illegal taxation and extortion have “literally crippled” the local economy. It said that many businessmen and prospective investors were shying away from investing in Nagaland, especially Dimapur.
DCCI said that trade and commercial activities, which were supposed to thrive in Dimapur, were now shifting to bordering towns in neighbouring Assam state. Further, the chamber pointed out that goods and materials arriving from the freight trains to Dimapur have reduced drastically to nearly 70 percent. It said that goods transport fleet at Dimapur railway station, which had strength of over 250 plus vehicles for transportation of goods, has now hardly 100 vehicles and declining rapidly.
Alleging that the syndicate system loomed large like a dark cloud over hard working local entrepreneurs, the DCCI said even fresh vegetables coming from outside the state have fallen prey to the syndicate system.
It pointed out that items in which GST had been paid should enter Nagaland without any hindrance because they were legal products and therefore should not be taxed multiple times. DCCI has urged the WSH and CPO to pursue the resolutions adopted and not to falter as the common people who were suffering were behind them.
Meanwhile, in view of the ensuing festive season, DCCI has reminded the peace-loving citizens of Dimapur to be on alert as there would be a spurt in anti-social activities like forceful donation drives, theft, and burglary and incidences of being duped.
In this regard, DCCI has appealed to the Commissioner of Police Dimapur to enhance security measures and deploy sufficient police personnel in the city in the interest of the business community and the public in general.
DUCCF: In a press release, DUCCF secretary Arep Changkija asserted that multiple taxation on the public and business people must stop if Nagaland was to progress. DUCCF stated that taxation by multiple factions has hampered business greatly in Nagaland.
It maintained that business people were now overburdened with “forced collections” from so many factions and were on the verge of even leaving their source of livelihood and sustenance. DUCCF has asked the state government to also act and put a stop on “this criminalization of our society.” It pointed out that many young people have now a fear psychosis to even venture into the business section.
With government jobs reaching a saturation point, DUCCF said young people want to set up small or medium businesses. However, it said the taxation has stifled the growth of young Naga entrepreneurs. Due to lack of unemployment in the state, DUCCF said many young people go outside in search of jobs and suffer untold hardships. “Our national workers must also understand this and have pity for their own people if they are truly working for the people,” DUCCF said.
It said that “national workers” cannot forever “live on this system of forcible taxation” and on the sweat and toil of the innocent public. Further, DUCCF also affirmed its stand against the business syndication by vested individuals in collaboration with underground cadres. It said that syndicate system has eradicated the dreams aspirations and hopes of many Naga business people. “Nagas are patriotic by blood but at present times, the Naga Movement is dogged down by extortion and taxation,” DUCCF remarked.