Ukhrul: The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing commercial vehicles operating along the Imphal-Ukhrul road, has declared an indefinite bandh starting from March 6, 2024, Wednesday. This decision comes in response to the alleged illegal tax collection by valley-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The JAC, formed under the accord and support of All Tangkhul CSOs (TNL, TSL, TKS & TMN) and including all Ukhrul District Transporters and Tangkhul Drivers’ Union, has raised serious concerns about the continuous extortion faced by transport service providers.
According to a letter written to the chief minister N Biren Singh requesting for immediate intervention of the illegal tax collection by valley-based CSOs, specifically the Pony Conservation Forum and the All Manipur Welfare Federation, the JAC said these CSOs have been imposing daily illegal taxes on trucks, wingers, DI, and other taxi services plying the Imphal-Ukhrul route under the guise of donations.
Further, in a press release issued on March 3, the JAC unanimously resolved to enforce the bandh until the issue of illegal tax collection is addressed by the relevant authorities of the state government. The livelihoods of their members have been severely impacted, prompting urgent action.
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The JAC demanded the following:
- Reimbursement: The collected tax amount by the aforementioned forums/organizations must be reimbursed.
- Government Oversight: Both the Pony Conservation Forum and the All Manipur Youth Welfare Federation should undertake an agreement witnessed by the state government. This agreement will ensure accountability and necessary action.
- Apology Statement: The CSOs must issue a public apology through media channels.
The JAC has also in the letter to the CM has fervently appealed to the state government for immediate intervention. “Failure to address this issue promptly will hold the individual/organization responsible for non-compliance,” it said.
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It may be noted that CM N Biren Singh had appealed to stop collecting money on the pretext of the prevailing Manipur violence. He had warned of legal actions against perpetrators especially those who collect money from commuters on the highways. The CM was answering to a question during a Zero hour of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly 5th Session on Monday, raised by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah raising concern over the bandh called along Imphal-Ukhrul road by transporters and passenger vehicle service providers in the wake of alleged collection of money by valley based CSOs.
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