Dimapur, June 5 (MExN): The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has expressed concern over the Nagaland government's notification prohibiting the display of religion-based, NGO-based and other unauthorised slogans, signages, stickers and identifiers on private and public vehicles, and urged the state to keep its implementation in abeyance pending wider consultations.
In a statement, the chamber said it was particularly concerned about the lack of clarity on whether commercial vehicles would be exempted from or covered under the notification.
While stating that it was not opposed to the government regulating vehicle markings in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, CNCCI questioned the urgency and broad scope of the notification, especially in the context of Nagaland's unique socio-political and security environment.
The chamber noted that the legal provisions cited in the notification had existed for several years and that enforcement in other parts of the country had largely been selective and issue-specific. According to CNCCI, states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh had mainly targeted caste-based vehicle stickers, unauthorised VIP markings, political displays, misuse of government insignia and modified number plates rather than religious, church, NGO or community-based identifiers.
It said it was unaware of any nationwide uniform implementation prohibiting all religious, church, NGO and community identifiers on vehicles and questioned the rationale behind Nagaland adopting what it described as a broader interpretation without adequate public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Highlighting Nagaland's distinct circumstances, CNCCI pointed to the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue and the continued application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in parts of the region. It said vehicle identifiers associated with churches, tribal bodies, NGOs and community organisations had for decades served as markers of identity, trust and public service.
Such markings, the chamber argued, had often facilitated recognition during emergencies, humanitarian activities and law-and-order situations, assisting both government agencies and law enforcement authorities.
The chamber further expressed concern that the notification did not clarify how vehicles entering or transiting through Nagaland from other states would be treated. It said thousands of vehicles visiting the state carry religious symbols, institutional logos, charitable organisation markings and community identifiers, creating uncertainty for tourists, transporters, traders and other visitors.
CNCCI maintained that any policy with significant social implications should be preceded by extensive consultations involving tribal hohos, church organisations, civil society groups, transport associations, business bodies and other stakeholders.
