While extending its solidarity with the striking All Kohima Indane Distributors’ Association (AKIDA), ACAUT Nagaland has once again reiterated its demand for enacting a law in Nagaland similar to that of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA) in order to curb the menace of extortion.
Dealers under AKID are on an indefinite strike since July 13 in protest against physical assaults by unidentified persons on LPG workers while on duty on July 4 and 9.
Terming the assaults on LPG workers as an “assault on frontline workers” who risk their lives to deliver the basic essential to keep the kitchen fires burning, ACAUT observed that the Kohima district administration was caught napping even as supply of essential goods had been disrupted due to unabated multiple taxations.
ACAUT said at a time when the economy was reeling under the negative impact of COVID-19, business people and entrepreneurs were struggling to make their ends meet. Hence, the anti-taxation group said the protective role of the respective district authorities were needed the most.
As the GST being paid by the business people went to the State exchequer, to be utilised as salaries to guardians and enforcers of law, ACAUT said it was the bounden duty of the law to secure the lives of those who paid taxes and ensure protection of the law abiding citizens.
It added that there was lacuna in the judiciary system whereby arrested accused were released on bail and mild sentences were given to those involved in serious crimes. Hence, it reasoned that enacting a law similar to MCOCA seemed to be the only panacea.
ACAUT encouraged AKIDA to stand steadfast with its genuine demand for justice and to continue with its democratic means of peaceful indefinite stir till the authorities responsible were compelled to uphold the rule of law in the State.