Nagaland Timber Traders Union (NTTU) has decided to approach the court of law on the “illegal restriction” imposed on timber business. NTTU had decided to approach the court following reports on proposed ban on movement of vehicles carrying timber products.
NTTU, in a press release issued by the union president, Kevise Sogotsu, had termed the proposed ban on movement of vehicles ferrying as a direct threat to timber traders and villagers depending on timber business as their source of livelihood.
“NTTU and tree farmers have been faithfully paying tax to the state government and timber trade has been in operation in the state of Nagaland as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court. Therefore, the question of banning of timber-carrying vehicles does not arise and is illegal,” the union said.
NTTU statement came in the wake of demands made by various NGOs and civil societies and appeals made to the district administrations to ban movement of timber-laden trucks during the monsoon season, taking into account the deplorable condition of roads in all districts.
“Timber trade in Nagaland is not an illegal trade and NTTU has been regularly paying royalty and other taxes to the state government. It is the duty of the state government to maintain and repair roads from the taxes and royalties they receive.
Why should the government or public only blame timber business for bad roads as there are other heavy vehicles plying on the roads,” NTTU asked.
NTTU said in case any restriction on movement of vehicles carrying timber arises in any district, the union would approach the court to take cognizance on the restriction imposed on a legal business and take to task the district administration and police.
“We also appeal to the Naga political groups to take the matter seriously as NTTU has always been trying to accommodate to the various needs of the Naga groups,” NTTU added.