People buy vegetables and other essentials in New Market Dimapur on the eve of the DCCI’s call for indefinite shutter down on April 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 25
Amidst the April 26 declaration of an indefinite shutter down of all shops and business establishments, citizens of Dimapur on Thursday made a bee line for the markets to stock up on essential commodities. The proposed closure has been called by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) against the relentless multiple taxation, intimidation and harassment by Naga Political Groups (NPGs).
The closure is set to affect more than 30,000 business establishments in Dimapur district, according to figures reported by the Chamber.
In the heart of the town’s busiest commercial point at New Market, shoppers were seen buying essential commodities, mostly perishable goods such as vegetables, eggs and other items, in case the shutter down goes on for several days.
Several of them, including mothers and wives shared to The Morung Express about their intention of stockpiling vegetables and other essential items at home given tomorrow’s closure. Many of those whom this newspaper spoke to had families and children, while some were single workers living in rented buildings.
It was observed during the interactions that the majority of those who were stockpiling on food either had large families or with children.
“A lot of vegetables were sold out and the price of a few of them had increased,” revealed one woman. As a mother many of her purchased items included vegetables and fruits meant for her three school-going children’s lunch. “I just hope it does not go on for many more days,” she said.
Two other women shared their viewpoint in regard to DCCI’s closure, while one said that their demands and intentions were justified, another opined, “at the end of the day, it will be the public who suffers from it all.”
By the late afternoon it was observed that many vegetable vendors had sold off all their items considering the panic buying among citizens. In the usual phrase known to all, a non-Naga seller commented, “Ki kuboh na, it (shutter down) is for the good of us and so I fully support what they’re doing.”
A kilogram (Kg) of potatoes which usually is sold at Rs 20-30 on other days was being sold for Rs 35-40 in many areas inside New Market, while prices of tomatoes, onions remained the same.
At the same time, several that this newspaper spoke to said they were not at all worried about the closure stating, “we are just doing our usual grocery shopping like we always do.” A young worker who lives with her friend in Dimapur said whatever they need at home has been bought in advance.
Private transport vehicles/ buses not to ply
Meanwhile, DCCI Vice President, Shikuto Sema said that volunteers will be stationed at every junction and location of Dimapur area during the shutter down period.
While he reiterated the Chamber’s intention not to disrupt public movement, the VP also noted the support received from several other associations and organisations including from private transport services and banks.
“We are of the opinion that banks should not be closed however, I leave it up to them to decide,” he said.
As for private buses, he said their association had expressed their support to the Chamber and so they will not be operating any services.
It must be mentioned here that similar shutter down of businesses will be observed in Chümoukedima, Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Medziphema and others areas accorss Nagaland.
