HT Correspondent
BOKAJAN, Oct 28: The Taxation Department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has sealed the shops of some traders who were allegedly involved in the attack on tax officials of KAAC on Thursday while they were on a drive to check the trade licenses of the shopkeepers.
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It may be mentioned that the tax officials were attacked in the afternoon by a mob numbering around more than 100 armed with sticks, iron rods, stones and daos. Several officials, traders and public members were injured in the incident.
The tax department of KAAC led by deputy secretary of KAAC, Sonasing Terang sealed the shops of the main conspirator and organiser of the attack Bijoy Singh. One of Singh’s shops and his godown was also sealed.
Four shops were sealed at Sukhanjan.
Terang said, “The officers of the Taxation Department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council came yesterday on the orders of the authority but were unfortunately assaulted. We all know about taxes. We government officers also need to pay professional tax. The government asks for a minimal amount as taxes.”
On the delay in the renewal process of trade licenses, he said, “We have a manpower shortage. If there is any complaint, they can make a formal complaint to the Secretary, Taxes, KAAC. As for the alleged harassment faced by the traders in obtaining a trade license I don’t know about it.”
The deputy secretary said such actions would continue and awareness on taxation will also be carried out in a continuous manner under the jurisdiction of Bokajan Municipal Board. Awareness of taxes will also continue.
Meanwhile, sensing that the incident could take on an inter-community clash, the working president of Hindi Bhashi Sanstha, Manahor Singh clarifying on the incident said the culprit Bijoy Singh is a habitual criminal.
Manahor Singh said, “Bijoy Singh does not represent the Hindi Bhasi. The incident perpetrated in Karbi Anglong by Bijoy Singh is unfortunate and we are ashamed of it. He is not a Hindi Bhasi, he has come recently, while we are here before Independence. I was also the Chairman of Bokajan Municipal Board. We have a good relationship with the Karbi community. I want to give a message that the Hindi Bhasis does not condone the act of Bijoy Singh. The assault was carried out by Bijoy Singh who is a criminal.”
He further pointed out that the state government, KAAC and the law and order should take the strongest of actions. He was also involved in the smuggling of supari and accused in smuggling of urea, vehicle lifting and others.
Meanwhile, the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) in a press statement demanded the arrest of all the culprits involved in Thursday’s incident.
On the other hand, BJP’s ST Morcha, Assam, Longsing Tokbi appreciated the step taken by KAAC in sealing the illegal shops in Sukhanjan. Tokbi said the culprit Bijoy Singh is hiding in Dimapur.
