Kohima: Criticism lashed out from various quarters despite a clarification issued by the Nagaland's Finance department regarding the hike in petroleum products.
Nagaland's National People's Party (NPP) joined the outcry by calling it "bereft of any possible logic, especially at a time when the entire economy of the state is in jeopardy".
The decision astonished people at how the government could resort to such an 'inhuman practice' by increasing the tax on essential fuels during the pandemic.
The government was heavily criticised for taking 'anti-people' step and hiking the prices of fuel instead of helping the masses with finances during the Christmas season.
NPP stated that the prices of various commodities are already at an 'all-time high' and the additional hike in fuel price adds to further anguish in common people as it allows traders to raise their price.
While the state government cited the financial crisis as a reason for the hike, NPP called it a 'lame excuse' and questioned the logic of burdening common people with expenses.
"In fact, during these trying times, the government should have the moral credibility of not increasing the prices of commodities," said NPP.
It further said that the state government does not have the political will to cancel the hike or utilize the central funds for the benefit of the common people.
It urged the state government to take a 'matured stand' regarding the criticisms and to chart out a proper plan for boosting the state's economy by employing sustainable development rather than arbitrary taxation.
On the contrary, the National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) extended its support towards the hike in fuels and said that any initiative of the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) government is welcomed as it helps in increasing revenues for the State.