Konyak Union opposes alleged summoning of dealers, orders halt to taxation across district amid disaster crisis
Petrol pump dealers in Mon district have announced a total shutdown of fuel outlets from August 8, following an alleged direction for dealers to appear before Hapwang Konyak of NSCN-K (Angmai), while the Konyak Union has separately ordered a halt to all forms of taxation across the district amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The Konyak Union, in a letter dated August 7 addressed to the Chairman of the Konyak Region, NSCN-K (Angmai), said it had learnt that the Mon District Petrol Pump Dealers’ Union had been directed by Hapwang Konyak to appear at his camp before August 7.
The dealers’ union has consequently called for a total shutdown of fuel outlets in Mon district from August 8, according to the Konyak Union.
The Konyak Union objected to what it described as the “cross-border summoning” of business owners, saying such action could not be accepted, particularly when communities across the district are facing severe hardships following the recent natural calamity.
The Union said it was concerned about protecting local traders and petrol dealers and ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel and other essential commodities.
It stressed that fuel was particularly important for ongoing disaster relief, road-clearance and restoration operations.
The Konyak Union has asked Hapwang Konyak to appear before its headquarters in Mon within one week to clarify his intention and explain the alleged summons.
The Union’s intervention comes against the backdrop of an earlier directive banning all forms of taxation in Mon district during the crisis.
In an order issued on July 6, the Konyak Union said its executive council and advisory board had decided to “officially enforce” an immediate ban on all forms of tax collection across the district.
The Union cited the severe humanitarian situation caused by flash floods, soil erosion and damage to agricultural land and livelihoods.
It said several villages and subdivisions had been cut off, while crops, terrace fields and local cultivation had been damaged. Loss of livestock, disruption to livelihoods and impacts on educational institutions were also cited.
Under the directive, no faction, group or individual should demand, collect or enforce any form of tax or ration collection from villages, households or business communities in Mon district during the crisis.
Village authorities, including Anghs, chairmen and village councils, have been directed to enforce the order within their respective jurisdictions and protect residents from pressure to comply with tax demands.
The Konyak Union has also directed its units and stakeholders to monitor the situation and ensure that no pressure is applied to communities affected by the crisis.
The Union said the immediate priority at the present time should be relief, infrastructure restoration and humanitarian assistance.
The developments come as Mon district continues to deal with disruptions caused by the recent natural calamity, with the availability of fuel and other essential commodities remaining important for relief and restoration operations.
