Dimapur, May 6: The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has expressed shock at the Government’s decision to impose a COVID-19 cess at the rate of Rs 5 on diesel and Rs 6 on petrol and motor spirit with effect from April 28 midnight.
In a representation to the Chief Secretary, the MTLT stated that the decision of the state government has come as a great shock to the people of Nagaland and many organizations – business communities, NGOs, political parties and even petroleum dealers – have urged the government to revoke government order without delay.
The representation issued by MTLT president, Imkummeren Jamir and general secretary, Aolong Imchen demanded roll back of the government’s order without delay.
However, the Telongjem stated that the state is going through an extraordinary situation and every section of the society is being affected by the present nationwide lockdown. Almost everyone in the society has been affected economically because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state government ought to understand the suffering of the people.
Stating that the voices raised by the business community, particularly the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of different districts, are not without reason, the MTLT failed to understand why the state government should impose a COVID-19 cess on petroleum products at a time when the prices of essential commodities are slowly increasing day by day.
In the interest of furthering the collective fight against the containment of COVID-19 virus in the state and to ensure the continued cooperation by the public with the state government and its different agencies, the MTLT requested the state government to the representation with utmost seriousness so that together everyone defeat the COVID-19 virus without hurting the economic life of the people any further. (Page News Service)
