11th Dimapur Night Carnival begins

Unabated taxation hampering growth of business community in Dimapur, says Temjen Imna Along

Morung Express News 
Dimapur | December 16 

The Dimapur Night Carnival kicked off on the night of December 12 at Dimapur District Sports Complex (DDSC). Set to take place from December 12-16, the carnival is being jointly organised by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), district administration and Dimapur D Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

Since 2013, the Dimapur Night Carnival has been an annual festive event taking place right after the culmination of the Hornbill festival. This year, a total of about 73 stalls catering to different types of cuisines, entertainment, games, kids zone and live music has been set up at the venue. 

Speaking at the inaugural event, Nagaland Minister for Tourism and High Education, Temjen Imna Along on Thursday remarked that unabated taxation being imposed on commercial and other vehicles entering into Dimapur is preventing businesses from establishments from establishing a firm foothold in the State’s lone commercial district.  “We all know that Dimapur being the epicenter of business and economic activities, there are many anti-social elements in the name of a so-and-so pocketing money and taxation of various sorts,” he said. Adding further this is one of the reasons why many of the business establishments were unable to get a firm strong foothold in Dimapur.

Reflecting on the recently concluded 25th Hornbill festival, Along mentioned that Dimapur played a crucial role in ushering the smooth flow of tourists coming into the State. “Without your help, without your cooperation, Dimapur being the epicenter from where it starts to go up, it would not have been successful,” he noted.  

At the same time, the Minister reminded of the crucial role entrusted to the DMC in maintaining the well being of the district considering its vital line for the entire State. He as such, urged the administration, police and the elected councilors to clamp down on anti social elements that threaten the business establishments of Dimapur. “We should not be afraid to speak the truth; be bold enough and yet be steady to make our people understand that the rising need is to have economic stability and strength for the state will only come about when the business establishments and the city of Dimapur is secure,” Along commented. 

He also maintained that the enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is to curb the menace of illegal immigration and not against displacing the rightful citizens of the State. As a growing city, Dimapur is an amalgamation of all tribes including non-Naga communities such as the Marwari, Bhojpuri, Bengali and Muslim samaj not forgetting the Telugus, Ghorkhas and Kacharis as well, Along pointed out. 

“We are worried for those that are coming across the borders in loads and in sacks, trying to finish the very demography of our state and of our city,” he said. 

Earlier the welcome address was delivered by Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, Tinojongshi Chang.