Imphal: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah is squeezing transporters. The militant outfit collects over Rs. 82 lakh each year from oil tankers on NH-37. This illegal haul comes from daily trip fees and mandatory annual taxes. Political dialogue between the group and the Indian government has dragged on since 1997. It has done little to stop the shaking down of drivers.
Drivers on the 210-kilometre stretch pay up constantly. A round trip hits the wallet for Rs. 4,520. They pay Rs. 20 at the Keithelmanbi police outpost and Rs. 500 near Awangkhul. Returning from Silchar, they drop another Rs. 3,500 for the group and Rs. 500 at Nungba. One driver noted, "But when it comes to the payment of unaccounted-for so-called yearly or daily taxes, the presence of security escorts is of no use."
Annual taxes add to the burden. Six-wheelers cough up Rs. 8,000. Larger tankers pay Rs. 15,000. Over 500 oil tankers and 200 bullet tankers currently use this route. The All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporter Association confirms at least 75 trucks run under constant security escort. Security forces often watch these collections happen. The total annual take from these vehicles likely dwarfs the current estimates.
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