DIMAPUR, JUNE 16 (MExN): As Dimapur heads for a ‘symbolic bandh’ on June 18, Tuesday, called by the Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), under the aegis of the Naga Council, Dimapur, various organisations are rallying behind the ACAUT in support of the call. Such enthusiasm for a bandh is rather unusual for had it been any other issue, the general populace would have certainly greeted it with condescension albeit behind closed doors.
Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) on Sunday made public announcements calling for observing the bandh.
The DCCI while welcoming the decision of the ACAUT led by the Naga Council, Dimapur, requested all frontal organisations to fully cooperate with the ACAUT during the bandh. The DCCI further requested all business establishments to extend support to make the bandh call a success.
A press note from the NMDA stated that the association has asked all medical outlets, excluding pharmacies attached to hospitals and nursing homes in Dimapur, to remain close on June 18 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm as a gesture of support.
Educational institutions have also been requested to close down for the day. In this regard, the DNSU have made an appeal calling for schools and colleges in Dimapur district to remain closed on June 18 “so as to express support for the Naga Council-led agitation against illegal taxation”.
The ACAUT while requesting businesses to remain shut for the day stated that shops, which choose to go ahead with business as usual, will do so at their own risk. The ACAUT also sought the cooperation of owners of commercial vehicles by taking their vehicles off the road on the day. ACAUT secretary, Solomon L. Awomi in the note further urged law enforcing agencies (police) to “reveal the high profile names who are involved in the dealership system for the interest of general public without further delay”.
