EKHON | UKHRUL: Even as the indefinite shut down along the Imphal-Ukhrul Road by Ukhrul based Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Trucks, Wingers, DI, and Other Taxi Service Associations is ongoing, it has submitted a memorandum to Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh for immediate intervention into the illegal tax collection in Imphal-Ukhrul road by valley-based civil organizations since 22nd Feb. 2024.
RS Genesis Mahung, secretary of the JAC, a forum formed under the accord and backing of All Ukhrul District Transporters, All Tangkhul Drivers’ Union informed EKHON that the State Government has yet to response to their appeal and the indefinite shut down will continue until the State Government take notice and meet with their demands.
In a memorandum dated 5th March 2024, it addressed the Chief Minister of how valley based civil organizations namely, Pony Conservation Forum and All Manipur Youth Welfare Federation has been collecting taxes in Imphal-Ukhrul road since 22nd Feb. 2024 in the name of donation to various trucks, wingers, DI, and other Taxi services.
Therefore, this relentless extortion has reached intolerable levels which severely impact the livelihoods of our members at large. Despite our repeated appeals and efforts to address this issue through proper channels, we seek your immediate intervention in this matter, stated the memorandum signed by Ch. Khathing and RS Genesis Mahung, Convenor and Secretary of the Joint Action Committee.
The memorandum mentioned three charters of demand, namely “re-imbursement of the tax amount collected by the said forums/organizations, initiating undertaking from both Pony Conservation Forum and All Manipur Youth Welfare Federation whereby, the state government must witness. Such that, the state government must ensure any happenstance and take necessary action.” And finally, the “CSOs (Pony Conservation Forum and All Manipur Youth Welfare Federation) must issue an apology statement declaration through media/local media.”
It further appealed the state government to take necessary action at the earliest, adding that if it failed the individual/organiZation will be solely responsible for non-compliance.
