Mait Shaphrang Movement, Michael Syiem has suggested imposition of border tax as one of the solutions to protect the border areas of the state from encroachment by Assam.
In a press statement here today, he said that a minimum tax of Rs 100 for every house owner and Rs. 50 for every tenant per month in Shillong, Jowai and Tura, slightly lower rates for other district headquarters and rural households with higher slabs for private educational institutions and industries, will bring adequate funds for the government to raise the required police force.
He suggested that apart from pursuing with the central government on the need to bifurcate the joint IAS and IPS cadres, which has been implemented in other states of the region, imposing border tax is one of the solutions.
Expressing concern that the State has no proper demarcated boundaries ever since it was carved out, Syiem said, “Assam, being a relatively older State with more police battalions and a joint cadre where they enjoy seniority, they are in a habit of constantly bullying Meghalaya in the border areas through repeated encroachments.”
Pointing out that even as NGOs and different political parties keep crying for a permanent solution to the border problems he said, “Meghalaya with a disadvantaged cadre system and a small police force continues to lose precious land.”
“These are just suggestions, but I am sure the government will be able to mobilise additional funds through other revenue generating sources in the State,” he added.
