Farmers 'taxed'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 18 2013: Two trucks carrying a vegetable items were reportedly levied 'unauthorised tax' by police personnel of Heingang PS today at Mantripukhri.

Meanwhile, miffed at the frequent incidences of collection of such 'unauthorised tax' by police personnel to transporters, the All Manipur Ginger Farmers' Association has decided to highlight the matter to the authorities concerned.

Speaking to reporters today at MG Avenue, the All Manipur Ginger Farmers' Association said two trucks transporting gingers from Dimapur to Imphal were levied 'unauthorised tax' of Rs 500 each at Mantripukhri reportedly by personnel of Heingang PS .

As per input fed to the association, two Tata trucks, MN 04A/5518 and MN01G/8445, loaded with gingers were levied a tax of Rs 500 each at a place near toll tax collection counter at Mantripukhri today by personnel of Heingang PS .

When the transporters enquired why the 'tax' was imposed, the police personnel simply responded that it was 'conventional practice' and that they 'levied the same amount to all truckers' besides fleecing the amount.

Farmers had to spend around Rs 45,000 in transporting items worth around Rs 16,000, the association lamented.

Pointing out that such unauthorised tax collection by police personnel in the guise of 'checking' and 'frisking' is claiming heavy toll on small time businessmen and farmers of the State, the association has drawn the immediate attention of the concerned authorities in checking such uncalled-for practices in future.

The association also said that it would write on the matter to the Chief Minister, Home Minister, Commerce and Industries Minister and State DGP.

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