Shillong, Feb 10: John F Kharshiing, Chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs, Meghalaya, along with syiem of Nongkhlaw, Mariaw, Rambrai, Muiang and Nangmynsaw on Friday held a meeting with Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang to discuss the tax on the control of land and traffic act 2002.

The main topic of discussion was to follow up on the letter that was sent by the District Council Affairs Department regarding the tax on land that was issued within their jurisdiction.

In the meeting, the syiem presented a document that was granted by the High Court which allows them to collect taxes which are under their administration.

The syiem also expressed his concern as to who is liable to collect the taxes with special emphasis on the highway that falls under the National Highways Authority Act 1988.

“There is a Supreme Court order and the High Court order which encourages the authorities under the syiem to collect taxes from the toll gate. We have also presented a written document from the High Court today. The syiems have also received a letter from the District Council Affairs Department on the basis of the National Highway Authority of India that states that they are the owners of National Highway. So there is no specific clarification as to who is liable to collect taxes from these highways. Therefore the syiems today have appeared before the Chief Secretary of the State to request for a re-amend of the letter that was issued by the District Council affairs department,” stated John F Kharshiing.