Maoists ‘tax’ collection, donation drive still on Kantipur Report SANKHUWASABHA, Sept 22 - Maoists have been collecting "tax" on most goods entering Tehrathum district, by stopping vehicles at Basantapur area. "Kirant district peoples' government" has been collecting Rs 10 per bottle of alcoholic drink, Rs 5 per kg of goods of daily use and Rs 1 per kg of grocery items imported to the district. However, the rebels have claimed they stopped collecting similar "tax" on goods entering Sankhuwasabha district from Wednesday. "Though we have stopped collecting tax in Sankhuwasabha, we are not going to stop it in Tehrathum," district member of Maoists, Nitesh said. Meanwhile, in Salyan, Maoists and other groups have increased their "donation drive" lately. Maoists, several sister-organizations of political parties and local clubs have been harassing commoners, businessmen and civil servants openly demanding huge sums of money, locals said. Businessmen demand end to Maoist excesses Demanding immediate end to Maoist atrocities, businessmen in Sankhuwasabha have started an agitation. On Thursday, the district chapter of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer, asking the government to put an end to Maoist excesses. Surprisingly, the move has come a day after the rebels claimed they had stopped collecting "tax" on goods entering the district. The agitators have also warned they will close down the market and intensify their protest if their demands are not fulfilled. Posted on: 2006-09-21 20:40:16 (Server Time)