New Field check gate in Dimapur bordering Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Photo: Bhadra Gogoi

The Nagaland excise department on Friday warned its personnel deputed in various check gates against collection of any money from vehicles entering the state.

Excise commissioner Tarep Imchen, in a notification, said any excise personnel stationed in the check gates found indulging in collection of money from any vehicle would be severely dealt with as per the law.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

The department issued the warning following reports of excise personnel and other departments collecting unauthorized tax from vehicles entering Nagaland at the check gates in Dimapur.

It sought active cooperation of the public in curbing collection of such unauthorized tax. The department appealed to all responsible to report any underhand dealings by its personnel at the check gates to the assistant commissioner of excise at 9436006452.

According to reports, truck owners pay tax to seven Naga armed Naga groups such as NSCN (Isak-Muivah), NSCN (Khaplang), NSCN (Unification), NSCN (Reformation), Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN),  Naga Nation Council (Accordist) and Naga National Council (Non-Accordist). They charge Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,000 for two-three trips the trucks make in a day, Nagaland police take Rs 100 per trip, geology and mining department Rs 300, Dimapur Municipal Council Rs 300 (including entry tax of Rs 50) and forest department Rs 300.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

In addition, the truck owners also have to pay annual tax to the armed Naga groups from Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 every year

The reports further said the trucks which come from other states are allegedly intimated by some groups and charge between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 while some others charge between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.

However, the amount of tax varies depending on the quantity and the types of goods the trucks carry.

In return, the truck owners compensate for the taxes they pay at the check gates by charging from the public as service charge.