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Enough Is Enough

Author : Robet Lanky | .

Posted on : Thursday, December 31, 2009

‘India is a large country with such great diversity and so many grievances. This complexity leads to growth of radicals who survive on extremist ideology and terror,’ said intelligence affairs expert Mr B Raman. This region (NE) of our country has been conflict ridden for almost six decades now. Though part of this region is peaceful ie. Arunachal and Sikkim and part seemingly peaceful i.e. Meghalaya & Mizoram, the balance states of North East have enormous problems in the form of kidnapping, killings, abduction, ransom and extortion etc.

Earlier ‘violence’ was ‘ideology’ and was up to some extent backed by masses. But now, ideology has morphed into criminology. These criminals, claiming themselves as fighting for a cause are mistaken patriots. At the outset all the organisation starting from NNC, NSCN, UNLF, ULFA, DHD, PLA have faced splits and sub splits and factions. And each faction is now headed by one of the break away cadres who did not get his share of ill gotten gains. This has aggravated the situation and more complex, manifesting in more down right terror activities, criminalization and mafiasation by these groups and sub groups. Each faction is vying for a major share of material gains which has become unbearable to local populace but unable to voice their resentment due to the fear psychosis associated with terror.

Various media have been reporting for the last three months that the Assam – Nagaland – Manipur NH-39 has become a dangerous zone for the truck drivers and handymen due to abduction for ransom by our so called mistaken ‘patriots’ and the highway has become a haven for illegal tax collection. In these three states of Assam, Nagaland & Manipur, extortion remains the dominant form of militancy related offences. The militants operate a “ regime of extortion and abduction targeting not just the civilian population in the state, but also the transit traffic and travellers bound for neighbouring states.” Confirming this, the MHA in 2008, wrote to the Nagaland government, broadening the definition of ceasefire violations to include, amongst others, extortion in the garb of collecting ‘ taxes’ and abduction or killing for ransom. Despite the directions, on the contrary, the so called tax collection or extortion has been on the increase and except for a few isolated case neither the State Govts nor the Security Forces have been able to enforce. . Sources from different organisations have reported that Naga militant groups extort money not just from all and sundry in towns like Dimapur and Kohima but also in all district headquarters and smaller townships. The ‘ tax collection’ net is spread over almost all of Nagaland’s 1317 villages. Approx estimation of annual budget of the NSCN-IM is in the range of 2 to 2.5 billion rupees through extortion (tax collection).

The pattern of extortion indicate that non-Naga traders/ businessmen are the most frequented target of the militants ‘tax-net’ followed by commercial vehicles plying on National Highway 39, enroute to Manipur and Mynmar. They are subjected to a variety of taxes’ by a number of militant factions allegedly, with the full knowledge of state agencies. In fact, the involvement of some state agencies cannot be ruled out. Recently, the truckers under the aegis of all ‘Assam Truck Owners, Driver, Handymen Association’ had decided not to enter Nagaland at any entry points. Consequently there have been public debates and the ‘extortion racket’ in form of ‘taxes’ carried out by state/ non state actors has some what been highlighted. Further, it has been reported by the truckers that personnel of Nagaland Police, Forest, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Taxation and Excise Departments are involved in levying illegal taxes and extorting in broad day light. Then, what can you do when state officials are in hands and gloves in collecting unauthorised taxes from trucks carrying essential commodities? You end up paying more than double the actual rates that too for inferior quality goods. That is exactly what has been happening over the years in this part of the country.

The threat of shortage of essential items and commodities and consequent price hike have forced the State Govt to take stern action and decided that ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’. Civil Administration and Police department have issued warnings and have assured the general public that action will be initiated against any state and non-state parasites if involved in illegal tax collection. The Nagaland Home Minister also re-iterated and stated that such activities will not be permitted but seemingly helpless. He retorted that the state government can not eradicate this menace over night. Dimapur Municipal Council has also expressed serious concern at the indefinite strike by the truckers as it will not only affect Nagaland but Manipur too.

What is required to be done at this stage ? The genuine cause of the truckers, and non – Naga traders needs to be addressed through the concerted efforts by the state governing bodies, state chamber of commerce, the Hohos, local Nagas and the NGOs as the effect of price rise will affect the local population only. They also need to reign in the various illegal unions, extortionists and fake associations, which have literally mushroomed in and around Dimapur over the past few months. Fortunately, the truckers have partially called off their strike on 24th Jun after having received assurance from top officials from police. But, they are still in doldrums as they have not received any communiqué from the very “Self Styled Robin Hoods” of various underground organisations. A permanent solution must be evolved for the benefit of all citizens. With recession throughout the world and ever spiralling price hike, locals will end up paying more than triple in comparison to the people of the other states.

The cascading effect of ‘tax collection’ are already being felt by all consumers; high or low. There is no need to see the price tag or MRP on any commodity. Buy if you want but ‘quoted price’ only !! Each one of us are affected. It is the time to say a big ‘NO’ and say ‘Enough is Enough’ even if a few lives have to be sacrificed instead of suffering in silence for long. YOU CAN WE CAN…! Enough is Enough.

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