Traders in Nagaland to keep shutters down on Sept 16 to protest illegal taxation

Guwahati, Sept 15: Traders throughout Nagaland will keep theirs shutters down tomorrow to protest against unabated multiple illegal taxation by militant groups and government agencies.

The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) has called for the state-wide closure of all shops and business establishments on September 16 to protest against multiple illegal taxation by several militant groups and government agencies.

Dr Khekugha Muru, chairman of CNCCI, and Dr Seyievilie, general secretary of CNCCI, said they would extend their support to the strike called by Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

The CNCCI had recently submitted a memorandum to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, demanding that the issue of multiple taxation by Naga Political Groups (NPGs) be immediately resolved. It also demanded removal of all forms of tax/fees collected by civic bodies on items that come under GST and reserve nominee representation to municipal, town and ad-hoc town council from business and trade bodies.

The Nagaland government has appealed to the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) to reconsider its strike call on September 16.

In a meeting held by the deputy Chief Minister, it was decided that the government would develop a comprehensive strategy for dealing with complaints regarding illegal taxation and extortion.

It was decided that the collection of any kind of tax/fees on items/goods that comes under the GST regime would be immediately stopped by all the municipals and town councils across the state.

Not only the business bodies, but civil society groups in the state have also strongly protested against illegal taxation and extortion.