Phek, May 1 (MExN): A trader from Phek town has strongly refuted allegations made against him by the Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI), terming them false, defamatory and damaging to his reputation and business.
In a public rejoinder, Huvosa Venuh said he was officially registered as a PDCCI member on March 23, 2026, and was issued a registration card on March 31.
He alleged that on April 18, he was summoned to his shop by PDCCI office bearers, where unsubstantiated accusations were made against his employee regarding the sale of tobacco above the maximum retail price (MRP), without any evidence.
Venuh further claimed that during the interaction, the PDCCI president allegedly stated he would have physically assaulted the employee had Venuh not been present. He said he urged the members to avoid intimidation and to address any grievances through proper procedures.
Instead, he alleged, he was accused of supporting a non-local individual and was directed to shut down his shop.
According to Venuh, the shop was reopened on April 20 in the absence of any lawful order, but was again forcibly shut down by PDCCI members. He was subsequently asked to appear before the association and sign a bond to replace his employee within one month.
Citing practical difficulties, including business constraints and pending customer payments, he said he sought an extension of six months to one year, which was rejected, leading him to refuse signing the agreement.
He further alleged that on April 21, PDCCI issued a press statement without prior notice or inquiry, accusing him of misconduct and labelling him a “Local Dada”, which he termed defamatory and intended to harm his reputation and business.
Venuh claimed that the publication was made without due diligence and in violation of principles of natural justice, and that material facts related to the dispute were deliberately omitted.
He urged the concerned authorities to take appropriate action against PDCCI for what he described as false and misleading allegations, and called for adherence to due process in such matters.
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