Manipur: Illegal Tax Collection Continues at Kangpokpi Despite Manipur Crisis
IMPHAL: The collection of illegal taxes along National Highway-2, also popularly known as the Imphal-Dimapur road, near Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi did not stop despite the prevailing unrest in Manipur for nearly 19 months, opined local transporters.
Transporters claim that the extortionists are brazenly collecting their tolls during the day time at Gamgiphai and under the cover of night at the Army war cemetery nearby. Reports say these operations have been carried out by the signatory and nonsignatory groups of the Suspension of Operation agreement of Kuki militants together with the associated civil organisations.
An entry point has also been established at Gamgiphai to check and collect these illegal taxes. The mobile teams also operate to speed up the extortion process and decrease truck congestion, said a transporter while mentioning that around 200 trucks use the route daily.
The militants, according to transporters, use the security check on Meeteis as a pretext to extort significant amounts of money from the vehicles that travel on this highway. Since May 2023, Meetei civilians have avoided the highway in fear of safety.
Such activities amount to a parallel administration. The militants reportedly use such proceeds to sustain unrest in the region. "It's as if they claim ownership of the highway. The lawlessness here is glaring and even the Naga community has refrained from intervening, " said another transporter.
Transporters are now demanding the government to take immediate action, questioning its inability to restore order and curb these transgressions by ensuring the safe passage of goods and people along this critical lifeline.
Also Watch: