Streets of Nagaland’s capital Kohima. (Morung File Photo)
Dimapur/ Kohima, April 24 (MExN): Business associations in Chümoukedima and Kohima have decided to done shutter for one-day while various organisations have also extended their fullest solidarity to the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) resolution for indefinite shutter down from April 26. The DCCI took the decision citing “no end in sight to the unabated multiple taxation, intimidation and summons” of business community by the Naga Political Groups (NPGs).
KCCI: In the Nagaland state capital, Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has decided to call for a one day shutter down on 26 from 6AM – 6PM to show its solidarity to DCCI and expressed its appreciation to the latter for “taking a bold and firm stand to express the grievances of the business community in general.”
The challenges and problems highlighted by DCCI is a common affliction faced by the business and trading community in general and a contemplative concern to all, it noted, while urging for support and cooperation from its members, civil societies and public.
The KCCI, however, informed that pharmacies, hotels and bakeries will be exempted from the preview of the closure in order to cater to medical necessities and travellers in the district.
CCCTA: The Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce & Trade Association (CCCTA), meanwhile, has issued direction for closure of all shops within Chümoukedima Town jurisdiction on Friday to show solidarity and support to DCCI’s stand against “unjust and rampant exploitation of the business community.”
The unconducive environment created by NPGs with unabated and rising cases of harassment to the business community is “very concerning,” it reiterated, adding that such illegal and coercion activities should be stopped once and for all for common good.
In this connection, while lauding the law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal extortion in Chümoukedima Town, the CCCTA urged the agencies to clamp down on all prevalent organised crimes which the business community is made to bear on a daily basis.
It also appealed the civil society organisations and the general public of Chümoukedima Town to bear with the inconveniences and sought their support and co-operation in the fight for justice for the business community.
AYO: The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) stated that it would not only extend its solidarity but render all out co-operation to the DCCI’s indefinite shutter down as well as one-day closure by the CCCTA) and KCCI.
The AYO conveyed the assurances “understanding the serious implications and consequences of illegal taxation and extortion prevailing in our society.”
It is a matter of undeniable fact that rampant extortion and unabated illegal taxation by NPGs and anti-social elements have rendered the business community with untold hardships and difficulties in sustaining their establishments, it said.
The AYO stressed that ultimately, it is the public who suffers the most from these activities and urged both the general public and the business community to unite in support of the common cause.
NDMA: Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NDMA) has also directed all the medical shops in and around Dimapur & Chümoukedima to remain close on April 26 in support of the indefinite shutter down called by the DCCI. However, medical shops were asked to remain open from April 27 onwards.
BADV: Conveying its firm endorsement to the DCCI, the Business Association of Darogapathar Village (BADV) has urged all the business establishments within the village jurisdiction to extend their full co-operation in support to the cause.
JCF Dimapur: The Joint Council Forum (JCF) of NST Colony, Churches Colony, and Middle Point also vowed to stand in solidarity with the DCCI and provide unwavering assistance in their cause.
The Forum also urged civil society organisations and the public to unite and back the business community in confronting this unjust treatment.
It further noted that it is crucial for authorities to promptly address these concerns and establish a favourable environment for businesses to thrive and positively impact the economy.
The JCJ also called on all stakeholders to unite and support the DCCI in their quest for justice and equality.
