DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 13 (MExN): The DCCI’s call for total closure of shops and business establishment on September 16 got more backers today with NCD, CCTCA and GRBOA joining others in extending their support for the shutdown.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has called for the closure “to protest against rampant multiple and illegal taxation by various groups and government agencies.”
NCD: Extending its support, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) stated that “the illegal taxation and extortion by various underground outfits and government agencies in Nagaland…is now becoming an inevitable evil.”
The menace of illegal taxation prevailing in the state is creating fear and resentment amongst the business community and the public, the NCD added in a press release issued by its President, Etsungmomo Kikon and General Secretary, Thsapongkyu Sangtam.
The present scenario, it stated is “violating the fundamental rights of the people to live with dignity, to live without fear, freedom to profess any profession and the right to equality and equal protection of law guaranteed by the constitution.”
The business community has bore the brunt of such illegal collections and ultimately the consumers became the victims, it added.
Accordingly, the council urged all the stakeholders and the public not to remain silent and be content to pay the inflated prices but to speak out as many voices to push for change.
The NCD, meanwhile, condemned the kidnapping of a three year old boy on September 10. The victim was eventually rescued by the Dimapur Police on September 12. It lauded the Police Department and asked the law enforcing agencies to award appropriate befitting punishment to the kidnappers as per the law of the land.
CCTCA: The Chümoukedima Chambers of Commerce & Trade Association (CCTCA) has also extended its support to the DCCI’s call and said that the association will be observing the ‘Shutter Down’ on September 16 in Chümoukedima from 6AM to 6PM.
A press release from the CCTCA General Secretary, Medochüzo Medoze also directed all the business establishments within its jurisdiction to observe the same.
GRBOA: The GS Road Business Owner's Association (GRBOA) has also gave its full endorsement to the call by closing all the shops at GS Road on September 16. A press release from the GRBOA President, Omega Yepthomi also appealed the State Government to “give a permanent solution to this multiple illegal taxation by the various groups and Government Agencies.”
Meanwhile, the GRBOA also drew the attention of the State government to the “pathetic road condition of the G S Road, station & Golaghat Road
Though the business establishment of these roads contributes maximum revenue to the government, the standard of road in the aforesaid stretch overlooked by the State government and left unrepaired since many years, the association maintained. The pothole and bad condition of the road contributing to at large to the traffic congestion, it added.
Accordingly, the GRBOA appealed the State government to immediately repair the road.
