Extortions destroy society

For around three decades, Dimapur has lived under the shadow of illegal and unabated collections masquerading as “taxation.” At check gates, on roads, in godowns and shops, the same items are taxed multiple times-by government agencies and by self appointed parallel authorities. What started as arbitrary and illegal form of collection, has evolved into a complex web of welfare committees, syndicates, and associations, each claiming to protect shopkeepers while in reality perpetuating monopolies and extortion like Italian mafias. The infamous practice of “taxation” is nothing less than extortion-unauthorized demands enforced through fear. Its impact is devastating psychologically and socially. Economically, it discourages entrepreneurship, drives away investment, and forces businesses to relocate to safer hubs like Lahorijan, Khatkhati, or Guwahati. The exodus of business from Dimapur has hit the economy and worse, the state is losing hundreds of crore rupees as GST when people buy less costlier items from nearby Karbi Anglong. Socially, it erodes trust and undermines tribal unity, breeding resentment among communities. The absence of strong legal accountability has allowed this menace to persist unchecked, despite repeated public outcry. The problem is not confined to the 30 odd Naga Political Groups (NPGs) under ceasefire agreements. More than 100 unions, organizations, and associations have taken advantage of the government’s inability to act, despite several notifications including a high court directive which has only turned illegal taxation into a parallel economy. This crisis prompted the formation of ACAUT (Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation) in 2010, which galvanized public anger. The landmark protest of October 31, 2013, in Dimapur was a turning point, with thousands demanding an end to multiple taxations. In response, the state government set up a High Power Committee in 2014, which submitted its report in 2015. Yet, the findings remain shelved, and the problem continues unabated. Political leaders have often hesitated to condemn extortion, some even suggesting it is “politically related” and therefore not criminal. Such evasions only embolden factions and deepen public frustration. Extortion is not politics-it is a crime, and treating it otherwise undermines both governance and justice. If extortion is not crime then even corruption is not a crime as it can be politically related. Encouragingly, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has recently made a bold statement in the Assembly, declaring that extortion will not be tolerated. This is a welcome shift in tone, but words must translate into decisive action. The government, as the primary facilitator of economic activity, must enforce laws without bias, dismantle illegal syndicates, and restore confidence in legitimate commerce. The path forward requires a dual approach. First, strict law enforcement must eliminate unauthorized collections, ensuring accountability for both government agencies and factions. Second, community leaders must foster dialogue and unity, rejecting divisive practices that exploit tribal identities for financial gain. Only by creating a stable and fair environment can Nagaland attract investment, nurture entrepreneurship, and strengthen the bonds of unity among its people. The struggle against extortion is not merely an economic issue-it is a test of governance, justice, and social cohesion. The unchecked collection of unauthorized fees has strangled growth and fractured harmony. The time for half measures has passed and so the government and society must act decisively, for only then can Nagaland realize its true potential but to reclaim the dignity of its people.