The New Market Dimapur is seen closed during a shutter- down protest. (Morung File Photo: For Representational purposes only)
Accuses govt of overlooking district chambers, reaffirms protest plans
KOHIMA, May 8 (MExN): The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has urged the Nagaland government to re-examine what it described as a long-standing and legitimate demand for representation of District Chambers of Commerce in the state’s Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). In a press release issued Thursday, the CNCCI expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Cabinet for discussing the matter, but voiced disappointment over what it called an unsatisfactory decision that did not reflect the full scope of their concerns.
The CNCCI said the Cabinet’s recent decision appeared to replicate an earlier proposal made by the Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs (UD&MA) during a meeting on April 23, 2025—a proposal that had already been rejected by the CNCCI. That meeting took place on the eve of a planned state-wide business shutdown across nine aggrieved districts, which was later postponed after the government agreed to further dialogue.
“The Cabinet’s endorsement of a previously rejected proposal raises serious concerns as to whether the longstanding and genuine demands of the District Chambers were accurately and appropriately presented,” the CNCCI stated, adding that the Chief Secretary and UD&MA officials must ensure the Cabinet is fully and truthfully briefed.
According to the CNCCI, the demand for inclusion in ULBs is not a recent development. It said the matter has been pursued through official channels since 2021, with formal representations submitted to the Chief Secretary and UD&MA officials on multiple occasions.
Despite these efforts, CNCCI said only the Chambers from Mokokchung and Kohima were accommodated in the nomination process for ULB representation. “While we are grateful for their inclusion, this selective consideration has caused deep disappointment and a sense of marginalization among the nine other District Chambers,” the press release stated.
To express this discontent, the CNCCI had called for an indefinite voluntary business shutdown beginning April 25. The action was later deferred by two weeks following a government request and a subsequent meeting with CNCCI representatives. During the meeting, the CNCCI said it clearly restated its position and expectations.
Emphasizing that their demands are rooted in the need for balanced market regulation and consumer welfare, the CNCCI said, “This demand is not motivated by personal or political ambitions. It is aimed at safeguarding the interests of the business community and, more importantly, the consumers of the state.”
The organization warned that if no resolution is reached within the extended two-week window, it would allow the nine affected district chambers to proceed with the indefinite shutdown. “We assure the public that sufficient notice and information will be provided in advance,” it stated, urging public understanding and cooperation.
The CNCCI called on the Chief Minister and Cabinet to revisit the issue and provide equitable representation for all District Chambers in ULBs, warning that failure to do so would only deepen the current sense of exclusion and frustration.
