The Kiphire District Commercial Vehicle Union (KDCVU) has expressed dissatisfaction over the continued inaction regarding their formal appeal submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul District, Manipur, on 11th November 2024. The union had raised concerns about the rampant unauthorized taxation faced by truck drivers transporting goods between Dimapur and Kiphire via Jessami.
Despite the detailed documentation of illegal charges imposed at various checkpoints, KDCVU said no concrete steps have been taken to address the issue. The following illegal levies continue to burden truck operators, as per KDCVU: Manipur Police: Rs 300; Excise Gate: Rs 200– Rs 500; Forest Gate (for sand trucks): Rs 2,200; NPG (Naga Political Group): Rs 500; and NPG Town Command: Rs 100– Rs 2,200.
Further, return journeys are similarly affected: NPG: Rs 1,000– Rs 2,000; Manipur Police: Rs 1,000– Rs 1,500; Forest/Excise Gate: Rs 2,000.
The union reiterated that these unauthorized charges exacerbate the high costs of transportation, including rising fuel prices and vehicle maintenance, significantly impacting the local economy of the remote district of Kiphire.
Yangkhong Sangtam, President of K DCVU, expressed disappointment over the lack of response and warned that the union might be forced to suspend truck operations on this route if immediate action is not taken. This would have severe repercussions on the supply chain and livelihoods dependent on this critical transportation link.
The union once again urged the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul District to take decisive steps to eliminate illegal taxation and ensure a fair and just transportation system for all.