Kohima: Ward 19 Councillor Kili N. Sumi wants illegal taxation dead in New Market. He warned that no individual or group has the right to coerce traders for money. Extortion hurts the local economy. New Market acts as a vital commercial hub for hundreds of workers and business owners who deserve to earn a living without constant intimidation.
Sumi demands that all financial collections have a clear legal basis and full transparency. No association can simply invent rules to squeeze traders for cash. He pushed the district administration to audit the registration and legal standing of all societies and groups operating in the area. The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry must also vet its members to fix accountability for any forced levies or illegal activities. Traders should not stay silent when faced with these demands. Sumi urged them to report all incidents directly to the police.
The councillor warned against letting these crimes become standard practice. He stated that illegal taxation should not be “normalised, institutionalised or permitted to take root” in the district. Sumi praised the Sub-Urban Police Station for acting quickly against the racketeers. Police recently arrested a member of the New Market Business Owners’ Association for extortion. This arrest is a step toward restoring peace for honest shopkeepers who just want to do business without fear.
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