(Left to Right) DC Dimapur Tinojongshi Chang, DCCI Vice President, Shitkuto Sema and CNCCI Chairman, Dr Khekugha Muru during the joint meeting held at Deputy Commissioner’s office, Dimapur on April 24. (Morung Photo)
• Shutdown limited to businesses
• Commuting & other establishments unaffected
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 24
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Wednesday announced that it will go ahead with the indefinite shutter down of all shops and business establishments within Dimapur from April 26 onwards.
This decision follows a three-hour closed-door meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur at his office on April 24.
Representatives from DCCI, Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Administrator, administrative officers and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of the district attended the meeting.
At the conclusion, DCCI officials and the DC outlined two outcomes.
Firstly, with backing from other CSOs, DCCI will proceed with its planned closure of shops and businesses until a favourable response is obtained from the State government.
Additionally, a meeting report detailing the grievances of Dimapur's business community will be forwarded to the State government.
In an earlier statement, the DCCI had cited unabated multiple taxation, intimidation, harassment and summons by Naga Political Groups (NPGs) among its list of issues for initiating the closure.
While affirming that it harbours no animosity “towards any specific group or faction,” the Chamber emphasised its opposition to multiple taxation and extortion.
Speaking with media persons after the meeting, its Vice President, Shitkuto Sema said that the DCCI was definite in their resolution to go for indefinite shutter down.
He noted that DCCI had the full support from the CSOs especially from the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI), Business Association of Nagas (BAN), among others.
“Until and unless the State government assures safety for the business community,” Omega Yepthomi, Convenor of Public Grievances Cell, DCCI asserted, in response to a query regarding the duration of the closure.
In a press release, the DCCI clarified that the indefinite shutdown is intended for the business community only.
CNCCI Chairman, Dr Khekugha Muru, meanwhile, viewed that although this matter has been in the government’s court for the last several years, “they were sleeping on it.”
“It is time for the government to act,” he said.
He also pointed out that illegal taxation is an issue which affects and concerns the whole state of Nagaland and reiterated his support to the DCCI’s call for a shutter down.
State Cabinet to discuss issue
Meanwhile, DC Dimapur Tinojongshi Chang said that a report detailing the grievances shared by the business community of Dimapur during Wednesday’s meeting will be shared with the State government.
In regard to the indefinite shutter down, the DC shared the concern of the public who will be most affected if it goes on for too long.
“So definitely some solution might come soon.”
At the same time, he also revealed that a State Cabinet meeting will be held on April 26 to examine over this matter.
In a press release, the DCCI also clarified that that the indefinite shutdown is for only for the business community.
“There will be free movement of vehicles and all other establishments will be opened. We request all the citizens of Dimapur to kindly cooperate with us,” it added.
