Wokha, Nagaland (morung Photo)
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DIMAPUR/Kohima/Wokha, APRIL 26 (MExN):All commercial activities in Dimapur came to a complete halt on April 26 as the indefinite shutter down called by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) came into effect across the district. Along with Dimapur, all shops and business establishments also downed shutters in the districts of Chümoukedima, Kohima and Wokha in solidarity with the DCCI.
Barring light vehicular movement, the streets in these four districts wore a deserted look, reminiscent of the COVID-19 lockdowns a few years earlier. Travelling around Dimapur, it was observed that barring government offices, educational institutions, banks, local taxi services and hospitals, all other activities stopped functioning on day 1.
The shutter down was observed peacefully without any sort of untoward incident as reported by area volunteers stationed in several locations to monitor the closure of shops beginning from 6:00 AM onwards. Levito Swu, media secretary of New Market Business Owners Association informed that more than 1300 shops were closed under their jurisdiction, in accordance with the directive by DCCI. “All of them have been cooperating with us,” he said.
Swu expressed frustration at the way multiple-taxation has affected the livelihoods of the people, placing a heavy burden especially on the common citizens. “Now there are more than 22 groups in Nagaland, each of their tax has a direct impact on the prices of goods and other commodities,” he mentioned.
Besides the NPG’s imposition of taxation, he also pointed to the unwarranted practice of asking donations, buying lottery tickets etc on the traders in the area. “All these have a cascading affect on the health of the business in Dimapur,” he noted.
At Hazi Park area, which has around 700 shops, members of the Hazi Park Business Welfare Committee appreciated the bold step taken by DCCI to initiate the closure of all businesses. “We along with all shops in our jurisdiction fully back their demands and are ready to continue on with the shutter down,” they highlighted.
The KCCI extended solidarity with the DCCI by enforcing shutter down in the state capital Kohima from 6 AM to 6 PM.
It was a peaceful one, said KCCI general secretary Henry Chisüte while briefing media persons.
Certain commercials outlets like pharmacies, hotels and bakeries were exempted from the purview of Thursday’s closure. “We should all hope and pray for the best to get a positive response from the Government so that this closure may come to a fruition, he said.
Meanwhile, the KCCI appealed the traders not to resort to hiking of the price of the essential commodities. KCCI president Kezhazer Angami said “As of today, it was a 12 hour shutter down. However, from tomorrow there will be total shut down.”
The KCCI requested all trading communities to adhere to the directive of the CNCCI by remaining closed until further notification.
At Wokha, the WDCCI informed that the shutter down supporting the cause of DCCI went off successfully without any untoward incident. In response to CNCCI’s call for indefinite shutter down of all the business establishments across the state, the Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry directed all business establishments within Wokha district to heed to the call and respond positively.
In Chümoukedima, the one day shutter down called by the Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce &Traders Association (CCCTA) saw all shops closed across the district including in Medziphema town. According to the CCCTA, the un-conducive atmosphere created by the NPGs was very concerning and so stressed that, such illegal and coercive activities should be put to an end for the common good.
The Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI) informed that for the past few days, it has been facing 'waves of extortion' in the district via demand through online-transfer and multiple-taxation through letters.
In a press statement, the PDCCI said it shall stand its ground against extortion, harassment and multiple-taxation imposed on the business community in the district. While extending full support towards the DCCI, the PDCCI has requested all businesses to be prepared for the indefinite shutter down starting from April 27.
The Tuensang Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TCCI), following an urgent meeting on April 26, also resolved to join the statewide indefinite business shutdown called by the CNCCI from April 27 onwards.
TCCI President, Ebesola I Chang and Executive Chairman, Y Yanger appealed to various Naga political groups, urging them to prioritize the collective well-being of the community. Additionally, they called upon the Government of Nagaland to prioritize public safety and restore peace amid mounting challenges.
