The NSCN-IM, which is presently ensuing in peace talk with the government of India has been collecting illegal taxes from the citizens of India which had entered the Naga Dominated area in Manipur. As reported in a Imphal based local cable TV news, the outfit issued I-cards to all the outsiders who had entered Tamenglong district in Manipur by charging a sum of rupees 300. The I-card issued has a banner of Govt. of the People Republic of Nagalim, Ministry of Kilo- Affairs. Those who entered Tamenglong district should possessed the I-card and those who do not have one are not permitted to work in the region. The card should be renewed every year by payment of another rupees 300, the local cable TV news reported. It may be mentioned that Home Minister Gaikhangam had recently stated that the NSCN-IM has been threatening the congress candidate from taking part in the upcoming ADC election scheduled to be held on June 1. Media had quoted the Dy. CM a saying that the congress party could not field candidate at some of the ADC seats due to direct threats from the NSCN-IM. Earlier, some years back the transporters’ body had alleged the NSCN-IM of collecting several illegal taxes from the transporters plying on both the national highways. Even the receipt signed by the NSCN-IM officials for collecting the taxes has been shown many times through media.
