DIMAPUR, Sept 12 - The Public Action Committee (PAC) of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has submitted a representation to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, seeking a �stringent criminal law� in the State.
The representation, which was submitted through the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, urged the Chief Minister to enact the law to effectively tackle �illegal� tax collection.
Stating that the PAC came into being due to the tremendous pressure on the business community following �unabated illegal tax� collection by various quarters, the representation � signed by convenor of the committee Vekhosayi Nyekha and co-convenor Gokheto K Chophy � said that after its inception, the committee conducted a study on the ground realities prevailing in Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland. The PAC said it brought out a �fact-finding report�, which was �appalling�.
The representation stated that it was found that transportation of products to the godown(s) and retailers was being illegally taxed, which resulted in sharp increase in costs.
The PAC said that with the help and support of the police department, it has been trying to contain the �illegal� tax collection by apprehending those involved in it.
It expressed dismay that while the executive forces perform their duties by apprehending the criminals, the judiciary grants them bail easily. The PAC said it has �demoralised� the police.
Commending the performance of Dimapur Police, the PAC said the perpetrators are set free within a few days of their arrest due to absence of a �stringent law� to book and punish them appropriately.
The PAC stressed the need to enact laws similar to the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act, 1999 and the Bihar Control of Crime Act, 1981, by the Nagaland legislature, which would rein in criminals and encourage police personnel to perform their duties wholeheartedly. It further stated that the judicial process and the rule of law must be strengthened to protect and safeguard the public.
