The otherwise bustling New Market wore a deserted look on Saturday as the indefinite shutter down of businesses called by the DCCI and CNCCI entered day 2 in Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 27
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), on Saturday convened a joint meeting with several of the apex tribal bodies and civil society organisations to deliberate on the ongoing shutter down in effect across Dimapur and Nagaland.
The three hour long sitting held at the council’s head office in Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur had in attendance several apex bodies of the district except the two aggrieved parties- Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) and Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI).
Addressing media persons afterwards, NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon, Vice President (CB), GK Rengma and Vice President (Administration), Holuto Aye highlighted the need to resolve the issues pertaining to the business community who have been suffering at length due to the multiple taxations imposed by different Naga Political Groups (NPGs).
At the same time however, the NCD President said another form of extortion was in the form of monetary collection carried out by different civil groups which adds an additional burden. Yes, we are facing a lot of extortion, not necessarily taxation but there are a lot of associations, unions of respective areas and colonies who carry out collections, he stated.
While the council supports the stand of the DCCI, Kikon viewed it imperative for resolution of the matter at the earliest, given the hardships faced by the citizens in the last two days.
In addition, he maintained that the council has always stood by the idea for adoption of ‘One Government One Tax.’ This had been initiated by the NCD way back in 2013, said its VP, Rengma. “Since 2015 when the Framework Agreement was signed with the Government of India (GOI), there were these many groups,” Rengma added.
However, he questioned whose policy/ responsibility it was, whether the GoI or Nagaland Government, that so many armed groups have sprung up today. He pointed out that though there exist the Cease Fire Ground Rules, it appears as though it is not being implemented in letter and spirit in Dimapur. Instead, the GoI is following the divide and rule policy, he alleged.
“Today nobody is speaking the truth,” he said, whether it be the traders or the public due to fear psychosis.
As such, Rengma reiterated the need to find a permanent solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political talks at the earliest.
In light of Saturday’s meeting, the NCD also submitted a letter to the Chief Secretary, Nagaland regarding the indefinite shutter down imposed by DCCI in Dimapur.
The letter included several resolutions adopted by the house. While asserting that it supports the ongoing shutter down by, it also reiterated to its earlier resolution that no arbitrary imposition of lightning bandh/strikes will be allowed under its jurisdiction without its permission, in the days to come.
It put forth the suggestion that the DCCI and the State Government settle the issue of indefinite shutter down within 2 days. “In case of failure to do so the NCD along with the CSOs, Tribal Hohos, Unions and Associations will be compelled to take further stringent course of action in Dimapur District,” it cautioned.
A 45 days period was also given to the Home Department and the District Administration to thoroughly verify and scrutinize all the existing unions/associations/welfare organizations.
Given the gravity of the situation, no illegal taxation/extortion will be entertained to any Naga Political Groups (NPGs) as long as this present impasse is resolved between the CSOs, Government of Nagaland and the Government of India, it further stated.
The house resolved to re-iterate the NCD earlier memorandum to the GoI to resolve the Naga political imbroglio at the earliest as it is the root cause of illegal collection of money from the business communities and the public.
Strict rules against collection by welfare unions, committees
Akum Jamir, Convenor of Grievances cell, Business Association of Nagas (BAN) meanwhile announced that a letter will be send to the Home Commissioner through Dimapur Deputy Commissioner to implement strict rules against extortion/ collection of money in the name of welfare committees and unions in Dimapur.
“Our recommendation is that the State Government should implement a strict rule for recognizing the unions and all transactions should be done through digital payment,” he said. In addition, the Home Commissioner must keep a record of all the unions, their monetary collections per month/ year from a member. He also noted that any taxation/ extortion should be reported to the authorities.
