Shillong, Dec. 11: Farmers in Meghalaya have threatened to move the Supreme Court against the alleged “extortion” by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and a powerful traditional chief.
President of the Meghalaya Farmers Association, Augustine Shanpru, told the media here today that the Syiem of Mylliem and the KHADC have been collecting “illegal tax” ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 1,950 at various checkpoints from farmers ferrying their produces.
Hundreds of farmers attended the press meet at the Shillong Press Club. “We will file a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court against the illegal tax collection by the bodies which are supposed to protect the rights of the tribals,” Shanpru said.
The association later submitted a memorandum to chief minister D.D Lapang.
Shanpru claimed that the toll gates have been set up ignoring a Gauhati High Court order to stop such practices. “The farmers who are totally dependent on earning their livelihood by selling their produce will not take things for granted,” he fumed.
The memorandum said jharu(broom), tezpatta (bay leaf), potato and dhup lakri (agar sticks) are being heavily taxed at different points along the National Highway.“Taxes are collected before entering Shillong at Mawiong and along areas in GS Road like Khrbalu, 22nd Mile, Byrnihat, Jorabat and then Khanapara,” Shanpru said, adding that the Syiem and the KHADC can collect tax only in areas falling within their jurisdiction.
The farmers demanded that the Centre monitor collection of taxes along the National Highway. The Central Sales Tax Act of 1956 states that “taxation on moving goods, trade and commerce is a subject of the Union government,” A. Nongsiej, a senior members of the farmers’ association, said. Collection of “illegal toll” has directly affected the economy of the state and resulted in heavy losses to the farmers, he said. The farmers also appealed to the government to recognise broom, bay leaf, betel nut and turmeric as agricultural products and fix a minimum support price.
