Nine business chambers to go ahead with shutter down stir

Medical outlets/pharmacies exempted and allowed to open

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 18

The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) reiterated the decision to go ahead with an indefinite business ‘shutter down’ agitation in nine districts beginning May 19. The CNCCI maintained it will be a voluntary, peaceful, democratic protest called by the business chambers of 9 districts— Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri. 

CNCCI Chairperson, Dr Khekugha Muru told a press conference in Dimapur on May 18 that the protest is on account of alleged government failure to provide a time-bound assurance to long-pending demands raised by the business community. An unrequited demand to nominate representatives from the business community in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) is the primary reason for the shutdown.

Key CNCCI office bearers as well as from the district chambers were present at the press conference. 

According to the CNCCI President, despite multiple rounds of discussions with the government, including a recent meeting with the state government spokesperson, Minister KG Kenye, there has been no written commitment or deadline to address their core demands.

He disclosed that they received a letter from Kenye on May 18 informing that the demands of the business chambers have been appraised by the Chief Minister, and will be further deliberated in the next Cabinet meeting. The government hasd earlier offered ‘Special Invitee’ status in the ULBd to representatives from the business community. 

While the CNCCI appreciated the initiative taken by the government, Muru maintained that the letter only urged them to reconsider the shutdown without providing any specific timeline. In the absence of a clear deadline, he said that the business bodies cannot call off the protest.

He added that the CNCCI, representing nine district chambers, has tried over the last four years to act as a mediator, but efforts have reached a standstill. Now, they have unilaterally decided to go ahead with the shutdown and CNCCI respects their decision and will support them, he noted.

Core demands

The CNCCI’s demands include what it termed as genuine and proportional representation of the business community in ULBs. The CNCCI President also clarified that no representative from the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has been accommodated in the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), contrary to public perception.

“There is confusion that someone from DCCI is in the DMC, but officially, we have not recommended anyone. If anyone is nominated without consensus from the business community, how can they speak on behalf of us?” he questioned.

CNCCI also expressed dissatisfaction over the selective accommodation of representatives from Kohima and Mokokchung while Dimapur—arguably the State’s commercial nerve centre—was excluded.

The CNCCI acknowledged the Government’s earlier move to amend the Nagaland Municipal Act from the original 1:5 representation ratio to 1:3 to allow for broader participation. However, they insisted that further flexibility is possible.

Government response

According to CNCCI, the only response so far from the Government has been verbal assurances, including during public events such as the Northeast Business Conclave.

“We have no written assurance. We were even offered a non-voting position as a special invitee, but how does that serve the purpose of democratic representation?” said the CNCCI Vice President.

The CNCCI Treasurer also raised concerns about lack of transparency and selective government action, adding that the demands have been systematically overlooked despite repeated representations over the past four years.

Urges cooperation & clarity

The CNCCI sought to clarify that the protest is not targeted against the public or the present government but is a collective expression of frustration over administrative inaction and alleged “communication gaps.”

“We are trying to be part of the system. We are fighting not just for Dimapur, but for business communities across Nagaland. We request public understanding and support,” the President stated.

They also appealed to the Naga Council Dimapur to cooperate with the district chambers, particularly the Dimapur Chamber, to arrive at a meaningful resolution.

The CNCCI maintained that they are open to dialogue and willing to suspend the protest if the government provides a clear, time-bound written assurance addressing their demands.

After four years of waiting, he said the least they expect is a clear deadline. 

When asked whether adding more government-nominated members to the municipal councils would violate the Nagaland Municipal Act, Muru replied that the matter should not be stretched beyond the current issue. He explained that local self-governance inherently includes citizen participation, and that the Act allows for flexibility. 

CCC&TA informs: The Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce & Trade Association (CCC&TA) has announced that it will go ahead with the “indefinite shutter down” starting May 19. While stating that the shutdown is “purely voluntary in nature,” the Association has urged all business establishments and the general public to co-operate and bear with the inconvenience caused.

Services  exempted: Medical stores, fuel stations, educational institutions, banks, government offices, and vehicular movement (both government and private).
 

WDCCI: Announcing the ‘indefinite business shutdown,’ the Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCCI) has urged all stakeholders, including the general public, consumers, and civil society organisations, to extend their understanding and unwavering support.