Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05 2009:
The JAC of Imphal-Moreh Road Transporters has lauded the proscribed RPF for its decision to stop all forms of tax collection from transporters and traders operating at Moreh.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, JAC's secretary Ng Haridas and joint secretary RK Seilesh highlighted the woes of transporters because of several unofficial taxes imposed upon them.
They appealed to all insurgent groups not to levy any form of tax on transporters operating along Imphal-Moreh route.
In addition to insurgent groups, Moreh Police, Tengnoupal Police, Pallel Police, Wireless Police and CID have been levying unofficial taxes on the transporters everyday.
Because of these numerous unofficial taxes, every bus or truck has to spend at least Rs 10,000 for each trip between Moreh and Imphal, the JAC functionaries said.
Above these daily taxes, the transporters have been paying annual taxes.
There have been several instances of setting vehicles ablaze when the transporters could not pay the annual taxes in time, they said.
Just like buses and trucks, Tata Sumos, Tata DIs and vans have also been paying all these taxes.
In order to meet all these taxes, transporters were being compelled to load goods far above the prescribed capacity.
There were times when it took 3/4 days to reach Imphal from Moreh due to excessive loading, they disclosed.
Even as the Chief Minister and the DGP have been repeatedly apprised about all these unofficial taxes, any sign of remedial measures could not be seen till date, they lamented.