The All Naga Traders Association Manipur (ANTAM) has expressed grave concerns over the escalating issue of illegal taxation and harassment targeting businesses and transporters, mainly truckers on the Kangpokpi to Imphal route. ANTAM reports that these illicit practices include unauthorized fees at checkpoints and coerced “donations,” causing significant difficulties for the trading community and disrupting the flow of essential goods to the valley region.
The Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU) has been identified as a significant contributor to this persistent problem. Despite numerous complaints, the state government has not yet taken effective measures to address these activities. ANTAM has issued a stark warning that if the situation remains unresolved, they will commence an indefinite economic blockade on National Highway No. 2 (Senapati to Imphal road) from midnight on October 8, 2024.
This development underlines the ongoing challenges businesses and transporters face in maintaining operations amid unrest and deficiencies in law enforcement. ANTAM’s plea for government intervention highlights the critical need for securing safety and stability for truckers and the wider business community.
The association emphasizes the urgent requirement for immediate and decisive action from the governmental authorities to prevent further deterioration of the economic situation and to ensure a stable trading environment. Without prompt and effective intervention, the potential blockade could severely impact the region’s economy and the supply of essential goods, amplifying the current hardships experienced by all stakeholders involved.
