They are calling it "another win" for the people.
In a joint operation, Assam Rifles operating under Spear Corps command with the Nagaland Police intercepted a truck carrying illegal foreign cigarettes worth crores in Tening region.
The area falls under Peren District in Nagaland.
"Another win for the people! Protects shopkeepers, saves revenue and keeps youth safe," an official source remarked.
Only recently, this blog has highlighted how the 'History of Strife of Nagas' has been marred by Parallel Fiscal Regime.
Smuggling of tobacco products is certainly one of them.
The Shadow Economy actually undermines the 'Rule of law and Governance'.
Some years back, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the BJP-led NDA "identified operations" involving at least 299 accused persons, including 76 Chinese entities, in money laundering schemes worth Rs 455.37-Rs 500 crore.
Sources say these operations "utilize shell companies" with dummy directors and multiple bank accounts to layer transactions and conceal the origin of funds.
The story goes this way -- All insurgent factions -- including the 'most potent' as claimed by both sides - insurgents as well as Delhi - could sustain the operations through a well-organized, large-scale system of illegal taxation.
Within the geographical landscape of Nagaland state - there is no illicit poppy cultivation no doubt.
But there is no hesitation to do 'drug business' as such by the courageous men and at times even women.
Over 9o-95 per cent of registered informal workers understandably earn less than Rs 10,000 monthly.
This means there are strictly "limited opportunities" in the formal economy.
The state's unemployment rate in urban areas is 240 per 1,000 people, according to a study.
At the national level the data is quite milder -- an average of 67 per 1,000 people.
That also means the economic distress will make shadow economy participation attractive.
ends
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