Traders Protest Illegal Tax, Tender at Makum Bagan Tiniali Market

By Mithun Baruah

A fiery showdown unfolded today at Makum Bagan Tiniali Daily Market under Kumarpatty Gaon Panchayat in Margherita, as traders and shopkeepers united in a powerful protest against what they claim is rampant exploitation through excessive tax collection at an invalid market. 

The market, a bustling hub of local commerce, came to a standstill as the business community shut their shops in a bold stand against the leaseholder, accused of wielding intimidation tactics with the backing of local goons as traders alleged that the leaseholder is strong-arming them into paying exorbitant taxes, with those who resist facing threats of vandalism to their shops. 

The protest, charged with determination, saw traders and shopkeepers gather in front of the market, raising their voices against what they describe as an unjust system.   

Pranjal Baraik, sssistant publicity secretary of the Assam Tea Tribes Student Association (ATTSA) central executive committee, who questioned the legitimacy of the market’s tender process as allegations are swirling that the market, unregistered in government records, was illegally tendered by the Kumarpatty Gaon Panchayat secretary Bhaskar Baruah in collusion with an individual named Rajendra Rai and was given to Jitul Borgohain.

Pranjal Baraik said that the leasee who has unauthorisedly obtained the tender has been forcefully collecting tax from traders and Shopkeepers of Makum Bagan Tiniali, and if the shopkeepers refuse to pay tax, then the leasee threatens them to demolish their shops. we warned Margherita Co-District administration, Margherita Block Development officer and Kumarpatty Gaon Panchayat Secretary to immediately cancel the tender, else ATTSA Margherita Branch committee, with the assistance of shopkeepers and traders of Makum Bagan Tiniali, shall intensify a strong agitational programme at Margherita at the earliest. 

In a decisive move, the traders and Shopkeepers submitted a formal written complaint to Margherita Block Development Officer Rohit Kumar Yadav, demanding immediate action as their ultimatum was clear: cancel the alleged illegal tender or face escalated protests on the streets of Margherita.

This unified stand by the tradersand Shopkeepers of Makum Bagan Tiniali Daily Market signals a growing resistance against unfair practices, as the community fights to protect our livelihoods and demand transparency as the stage is set for a potential showdown if our grievances go unaddressed, leaving the authorities under pressure to respond swiftly said a shopkeeper of Makum Bagan Tiniali in Margherita under Tinsukia district.

Also Read: Delhi GRP Releases Suspected Traffickers; ASCPCR Flags Safety of Rescued Minor