CNCCI, NCD, WSYF say restaurant incident exposes deeper problems in Dimapur
Dimapur, July 6 (MExN): The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) have separately condemned the recent incident involving the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) Finance Secretary and a Dimapur restaurant, while raising broader concerns over enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, the rule of law and the safety of businesses.
In a press release, the CNCCI appreciated the DCCI "for consistently demonstrating a proactive approach in safeguarding the welfare and interests of the business community in Dimapur." It also commended the DCCI's Grievance Cell "for its prompt response in seeking to assess and address the recent incident involving the NSF Finance Secretary."
The CNCCI condemned "the incident where the student leaders have taken the law into their hands," stating that addressing grievances against any establishment is "the duty of law enforcing agencies even if those student leaders had any grievances with the establishment."
The organisation also took exception to the Dimapur Naga Students' Union's (DNSU) description of the DCCI's intervention as that of a "third party."
"The issue is clearly a business-related matter within Dimapur district and therefore falls within the legitimate concern and mandate of the DCCI," it stated, adding that such a characterisation appeared to reflect "a misunderstanding of the role of recognised civil society organisations and representative bodies in matters affecting their respective stakeholders."
Meanwhile, the Naga Council Dimapur said "the recent controversial case of monetary demand and vandalism by the finance secretary of NSF at a lounge belonging to the president of Dimapur Restaurant Union (DRU) should be condemned by one and all."
According to the council, the incident "exposes multifaceted aspects of problems confronting Dimapur of today."
It alleged that "the various tactics used to ensure the so called 'free will donation' now by different CSOs is no less than some extortionists," adding that such practices have plagued the business community and that "their modus operandi has been exposed."
The Western Sumi Youth Front also strongly condemned the alleged assault, stating that "the breach of a private establishment, the initiation of an unprovoked assault on its owner, and the subsequent escalation of violence through vandalism are actions entirely unbecoming of a student leader."
It said leadership "is defined by restraint, dialogue, and integrity," adding that the alleged conduct represented "a complete betrayal of the values of student leadership."
All three organisations also used the incident to question the implementation of the NLTP Act.
The CNCCI questioned how "more than 30 restaurants, bars, pubs and lounges, as reflected in the meeting resolution, continue to operate despite the provisions of the NLTP Act." It said their continued operation, despite the alleged sale and service of prohibited liquor, pointed to "serious lapses in the enforcement of the Act" and raised legitimate questions regarding its implementation by the State Government. The organisation demanded the "immediate closure" of such establishments.
Similarly, the NCD said the incident had exposed "the dark underbelly of the city where more than 30 lounges that freely sells illegal alcohol and are supposedly den of vices and immoralities."
It added that "the defective NLTP Act of the state government under which the Excise Department and the District Administration operates raises some uncomfortable questions that needs to be publicly answered," while maintaining that "the healthy dialogue for the NLTP Act has to continue."
The WSYF likewise said "the status of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, alongside its practical application and enforcement in our state, remains highly questionable," adding that "the gap between legislation and reality on the ground frequently creates volatile environments that put local business owners at risk." It urged the authorities "to look past the surface of this single event, thoroughly study the gravity of the matter, and adjudge suitable, stringent action against any such perpetrators on record," while maintaining that "lawlessness cannot be tolerated under the guise of selective enforcement."
The CNCCI further stated that if the Dimapur Restaurant Union is a government-registered body and is found to be representing or facilitating establishments operating in contravention of the NLTP Act, the competent authority should review its registration and take appropriate action, including cancellation if warranted under the law.
It also urged the NSF, which it described as "an organisation held in high esteem by the Naga public," to clarify "the concrete institutional measures it intends to adopt to prevent similar incidents in the future," stating that such clarification would help reinforce public confidence in the organisation.
Calling on the State Government to take a clear stand on prohibition, the CNCCI said that after more than three decades, "it is time to either enforce the Act in letter and spirit or initiate appropriate legal reforms," adding that "continued ambiguity and selective enforcement undermine both the rule of law and public confidence."
The WSYF also warned against "various rogue elements taking the guise of various associations and unions to assert unauthorized claims, seek unlawful donations, or exert illegal impositions on any business establishment within the Western region."
It said "all such entities involved in assault, harassment and violence must be penalised as per the strictest law of the land," adding that "such predatory practices by unauthorized elements will not be tolerated, and any attempts to intimidate local entrepreneurs under the banner of established unions will be met with severe resistance."
The Naga Council Dimapur also criticised what it described as societal inaction, stating, "Our hypocritical society along with the Church who are the shepherds and conscience keeper seems to turn a blind eye."
The council added that it “will be persistent in raising public outrage and condemnation on issues where there is more than meets the eye.”
