Lawyer takes Mizo govt to task on illegal export of fertilizers

Aizawl, Aug 20 (UNI) Keeping in view reports of illegal export of chemical fertilizers to Myanmar through Mizoram, a leading lawyer has served a notice to the Mizoram government on behalf of his client.

The lawyer, V Sam Joseph, issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Taxation Secretary, the Commissioner of Taxes of Mizoram government and the Deputy Commissioner, Customs and Excise stating that the state Taxation department and Central customs officials posted in different areas of Mizoram were abetting illegal import of fertilizers to Myanmar.

Referring to the violation of The Fertilizer (Control) Order 1985, he said that a group of smugglers have been using Aizawl and Champai border area for the illegal business.

The notice said his client, Lalnilawma Tochhawng of Champhai Vengthlang, surveyed the market in Champhai area and found that many people had transported fertilizers to Champhai with the intention of importing it to Myanmar without permission.

Mr Lalnilawma had obtained a registration certificate from the state government for dealing in chemical fertilisers and appointed as wholesale dealer of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd, Dibrugarh, Assam.

The notice further pointed out that at least 100 truck loads of fertilizers have been stocked in Champhai town and that these illegal traders had been issued waybills for smooth transportation by the state Taxation department.

The notice also mentioned that Customs officials had permitted the export to Myanmar '' as the Taxation department had registered their names and issued waybill. '' '' As many as 52 people had been registered by the Taxation department for carrying and importing fertilisers from other states, '' the notice stated.

The lawyer accused the Mizoram government of acting illegaly, saying it did not prohibit unauthorised people from importing fertilizers from other states and demanded the cancellation of illegal registrations and initiated action against the violators within 30 days of the receipt of the notice.

Copies of the notice have also been sent to Commissioner of Customs, Government of India, Secretaries, Ministry of Central Excise and Customs, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Director of Agriculture and Minor Irrigation, Government of Mizoram.

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