Kohima, July 8: Close on the heels of public outcry over ''taxes'' imposed by authorized and unauthorized entities at Dimapur, the Nagaland government has decided to clamp down on illegal taxation by setting up vigilance teams and closing all check gates along the highways.

In a notification, chief secretary Lalthara said that a meeting, chaired by home minister Imkong Imchen, recently discussed complaints about unauthorized collection of money or taxes by "public organizations and government agencies" at various points and check gates on state and national highways.

The government has closed all check-gates in the state, except the inter-state posts and the one at Chumukedima where Inner Line Permits are verified, the notification said.

Burdened by rampant extortion, the members of Dimapur- based civil societies and the business community on Wednesday discussed the so-called taxation and decided to form a committee to highlight the problem for strong remedial steps.

A public meeting organized by Naga Council Dimapur at Chakhesang Colony deliberated upon the menace of rampant extortion in and around the commercial town and called for stepped up government efforts to curb it.

PTI