Kokrajhar, July 12: The People's Coordination for Democratic Rights (PCDR) has called a 36-hour Kokrajhar district strike from 6am on Tuesday, demanding an end to collection of "illegal tax" near Srirampur inter-state checkgate in Kokrajhar district bordering Bengal.

The organisation will also protest against non-completion of the four-lanehighway - which is under construction for many years - by theNationalHighwaysAuthority of India, Prafulla Islary, coordinator of thePCDR, Gossaigaon district committee, said in a press statement today.

Voicing concern over rampant corruption, extortion and illegal collection of "tax" near the Srirampur Damra composite checkgate, the committee leaders said these had led to rise in prices of essential commodities and demanded immediate steps to end the practice.

Islary too alleged that "illegal collection of tax" by the mafia to the tune of Rs 600 per vehicle near the checkgate had resulted in skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.

The committee leadersexpressed concern over illegal collection of taxes at checkgates by various organisations under the very nose of the police and the administration. They said it had resulted in mushrooming of various armed groups.

The committee also rued the delay in completion of the 50km four-lane highwayfrom Srirampur to Karigaon within Kokrajhar district which is under construction for many years.

Islary said works, including building a bridge and culverts between Kachugaon and Karigaon, also remain incomplete.

The committee leaders complain that the prevailing condition of NH 31 has not only led to traffic congestion but has also resulted in frequent road mishaps.#