Extortion by anti-social, anti-national elements and members of insurgent outfits on National Highways in the northeast is not an uncommon phenomenon.
Such illegal collection of money, referred to as ‘gunda tax’ in some states is also called ‘life tax’ in some northeast states.
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The issue of incidents of illegal tax collection by anti-social and rowdy elements on NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam route) was raised in the Assembly by Congress legislator Khumukcham Joykishan Singh. On Friday Chief Minister N Biren Singh informed the assembly that police commandos and security teams would be stationed at vulnerable areas along the National Highways in the state to check extortion by highway robbers, anti-social elements and insurgents.
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The CM was responding to the query raised by Joykishan Singh. A statement issued by Manipur information and public relations department stated that the government was committed to controlling the law and order situation, including such incidents of tax collection by unidentified persons along the NHs.
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Commenting on a reported incident that took place on the intervening night of January 31 and February 1 at the Nungba area along NH-37, the CM said that one cement-loaded truck was reportedly pushed down the gorge by some people over collection of such illegal taxes. He also informed the Assembly that an FIR had been registered in the matter.