Dimapur, September 15 (MExN): Despite the state government’s appeal to reconsider their decision, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) in consonance with the state-wide shutdown called by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI), has decided to go ahead with the total shutdown of all shops, markets and business houses on September 16, DCCI President Akashe Zhimomi informed in a press release on Wednesday.
However, the DCCI also clarified that the 12-hour shutdown which will start from 6:00 am till 6:00 pm, “is confined only to all shops, markets and business houses and restriction of goods transport,” and would not affect or hinder normal running of government offices, banks or educational institutions. There will not be restriction on plying of government or private vehicles except goods transport.
On the shutdown day, volunteers would be stationed in strategic points and gates to ensure smooth and peaceful observance of the democratic protest, it added.
The DCCI also acknowledged the latest steps taken by the state government in addressing some grievances of the business community. “However DCCI agrees with CNCCI that the response of the state government to ‘certain demands’ is still vague,” it added.
Meanwhile, several organisations across the state also issued statements informing that they would observe the shutdown in their respective jurisdictions.
EDBA: Expressing their support in a press release on Wednesday, EDBA President Atoka Zhimomi and Joint Secretary Krishna Chetri informed that the association has also announced closure of all shops and business establishments under its jurisdiction.
MCCI: Similarly, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) issued a circular announcing that it would enforce closure of all shops and business establishments in Mokokchung town, to bring to the notice of the state government the grievances faced by the business community of Nagaland. The grievances include multiple taxation by Naga political groups (NPGs), tax or fee levied by civic bodies and government agencies on items that fall under GST regime, the state government’s failure to enact SARFAESI Act and the demand for reservation of nominee representation to Municipal, Town and Ad-hoc Town councils from the business community as demanded by the CNCCI in its representation to the state Chief Secretary, the MCCI informed.
PCCI: In a separate statement, the Phek Chamber of Commerce & Industries (PCCI) also informed that it would shut down businesses on Thursday in solidarity with the CNCCI’s representation to the state Chief Secretary. Despite the demand for immediate action there has been no positive response from the government, and as such, the PCCI will impose one day business closure on with the rest of the district chambers of Nagaland, it added.
Business Association, Tuli Town: Meanwhile, the Business Assocciation of Tuli town under Mokokchung district also informed that all shops and business units in Tuli town would remain closed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Thursday to protest against the illegal and multiple taxations imposed on business communities in Nagaland by various organisations as well as government agencies. The association requested its members to follow the directive positively.
