A newly-formed traders’ body in Kohima has strongly opposed illegal taxation and multiple tax demands imposed on businesses, saying traders in the state capital were facing increasing financial pressure from various groups. The Kohima Traders Association (KTA), an apex body representing 15 traders’ unions in Kohima, on Monday said it would firmly stand by the principle of “One Government, One Tax” and would not tolerate any form of illegal taxation. Addressing a press conference at Crescent Kohima, KTA president Ruokuohetuo Mechiilho said the association was formed mainly to address the long-standing issue of illegal taxation faced by traders across the city. He alleged that more than 35 groups were currently demanding taxes from business establishments in Kohima. According to him, traders earlier paid annual taxes, but different forms of taxes were now being collected every month on various items, creating serious difficulties for businesses.
“Traders work hard to earn their livelihood, but a large portion of their income is being spent on taxes,” Mechiilho said while explaining the concerns of the business community. The association stated that it was committed to protecting trader welfare, encouraging ethical business practices and ensuring legal compliance among its members. KTA said it would work towards safeguarding the interests of all traders registered under different unions in Kohima while promoting fairness and lawful commerce in the marketplace.The body also raised concern over the impact of unregulated online commerce and alleged monopolistic or syndicate practices. It said such activities were affecting fair competition and creating imbalance in the local business environment.KTA announced that it would oppose any form of monopoly, price-fixing or syndicate system that restricted free and fair trade. It further stated that a strict code of conduct would be implemented among member unions to prevent coercive collections and unlawful trade practices. The association also categorically opposed forced or unauthorised collections in the form of lottery tickets, identity cards, calendars and similar materials.
On grievance redressal, KTA said complaints against traders would first be handled by the concerned registered union, and unresolved matters would later be taken up by the apex body. KTA general secretary Keneikhrielie Mepfhuo clarified that the association was not against the government or the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), but was formed solely to protect the interests of traders. He said traders were already paying taxes to both the government and KCCI and therefore deserved support and protection from the authorities. The association also clarified that KTA and KCCI were separate organisations, stating that KCCI did not specifically deal with taxation-related matters.
