[| I, CWAS |]

Maoist in Ilam have started collecting 'taxes' equal to the government tariff from businessmen and taxi drivers at Pashupatinagar customs, in the name of the Kirant Republic Nepal (KRN).

Owing to the Maoist action, local businessmen and taxi drivers have been compelled for some weeks to pay double taxes for the same business activity.

The rebels charge Rs 10 for every taxi headed to and from Nepal and Darjeeling in India. They are charging businessmen 'taxes' equal to what the government charges. Maoist cadres collect the money at customs and police check posts.

The rebels provide a 'receipt' issued by the KRN 'district government'. Hundreds of taxis ply daily to and from Nepali and Indian towns. The rebels threaten anyone who fails to pay as per their demand, said taxi driver Suraj (who gave only his first name).

The Maoist charge Rs 50 for every sack of vegetables being exported to India and impose Rs 300 to 1,000 on other traders at the customs.

Meanwhile, various items including chemical fertilizer, kerosene and brooms are being smuggled through Pashupatinagar, Chhabbise, Manebhanjyang, Chhiruwa and Tumling mini customs with the involvement of the Maoist, according to locals.

With no presence of the security agencies in the area, the Maoist supply chemical fertilizer and kerosene worth of hundreds of thousands to Phidim and Taplejung, said a local businessmen.

Likewise, the Maoist are imposing taxes on businessmen and tourists in the name of the 'Kirant Autonomous Republic Government' in Taplejung. The rebels collect Rs 2,000 as export 'tax' from each truck, said Santosh Khatiwada, chairman of Taplejung Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Similarly, they are forcibly collecting Rs 5,000 from each foreign tourist, said Jayandra Koirala of Kanchangjunga Conservation Project.

The rebels have defended their extortion. Asmita, Ilam district in-charge of the party, said that the Maoist would continue collecting taxes until the rebels get certain facilities from the government. "We will stop these activities immediately after the government provides state facilities to the Maoist army equal to that provided to the government's army."

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