Kohima, Nagaland, March 6 (HBTV): Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly Naiba Konyak has raised serious concerns over the lack of transparency and inefficiencies at police check posts in Dimapur, questioning the figures provided by the department regarding vehicle entries.
During a supplementary question in the ongoing assembly session, he pointed out discrepancies in reported numbers, citing an average of 42 vehicles at New Field Check Gate and only five vehicles at Khakakati Check Gate, with an overall average of 30 vehicles across different check posts.
Konyak criticized the department for providing only average numbers instead of daily records, despite check posts maintaining registers of vehicle entries.
"Withholding exact figures raises doubts about transparency," he stated.
Highlighting the severe traffic congestion caused by vehicles entering from Assam, Konyak claimed that trucks park along the roadsides after crossing New Field Check Post, worsening jams; traffic police stationed at various points contribute to the problem rather than easing it; truck owners reportedly paying INR 150-200 per vehicle, despite the Home Department’s claim of no entry tax collection.
His remarks raised critical questions that if there is no tax collection, why are check posts still existing.
Another question was whether or not poor monitoring was actually allowing unchecked inflow of alcohol and restricted goods.
Konyak pointed out the high number of traffic police and multiple check posts between Dimapur and Kohima, including in Chümoukedima and Patkai. Yet, heavy vehicles continue to cause disruptions for the public.
Responding on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio clarified that all check gates on the national highway were removed following a directive from the governor, based on requests from the business community. However, state entry points still exist for law and order purposes, given Nagaland’s status as a disturbed area.
Rio stated that no entry fee is collected due to the GST system, where the state benefits from taxes paid at the consumer’s location. He added that from April 2024 to December 2024, the government collected ₹7,62,150 in fines through treasury challans under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Acknowledging potential revenue loss and unauthorized activities, Rio assured that the government would review the taxation system. He stressed that heavily loaded trucks should not stop unnecessarily in towns or highways, and penalties for overloading are directly contributing to the state exchequer.
He also underscored the role of Inner Line Permit and AFSPA in tackling drug trafficking and illegal activities, stating that several seizures have been made. The government will reassess these measures to ensure they serve the best interests of Nagaland.
As Dimapur continues to grapple with traffic congestion, transparency concerns, and possible revenue gaps, all eyes are now on the state government’s promised review of the check post system.