Dimapur, November 25 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Wednesday expressed concern at the closure of New Market for the last couple of days.
“The business community of New Market has just opened their shutters after months of closure due to COVID-19 pandemic,” Akashe K Zhimomi, DCCI President said in a press release.
Terming the ‘sudden notice’ for closure of the market as a ‘rude shock’, the DCCI appealed to the concerned authority to “immediately lift the closure in the best interest of both the business community and the shoppers.”
Meanwhile, the Dimapur district administration and the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) said no notice for closure of shops in the New Market had been issued from their end.
As of now, the odd-even system of shop opening and other guidelines as issued earlier is still in force, ADC Dimapur, V Lovitoly Sema told The Morung Express.
However, due to the ongoing construction work in the area, movement had been restricted for the safety of the public, she informed.
It was learnt that the construction work has displaced many footpath vendors in New Market, due to which their business has also been affected.
In this regard, the DCCI President told this newspaper that the closure of the entry points to New Market was causing a problem for the shopkeepers as customers’ movement had been affected.
As such, Zhimomi said that the appeal was to reopen entry to the market and lift the restriction.
DCCI to inspect all shops and markets
Meanwhile, with the festive season approaching, the DCCI has also requested all shops and business establishments to clean, spruce up and decorate their respective shops and premises latest by the first week of December.
The Business Welfare Committees and Unions of various markets who are registered under DCCI have been requested to supervise the cleaning, face-lift and festive decorations in their respective jurisdictions.
“DCCI will be inspecting all shops, markets and shopping complexes and give prizes to the best decorated shops and markets,” it added.
Meanwhile, the DCCI also informed all shops and traders to open their shutters on Sundays with effect from the month of December, to facilitate festive shoppers within Dimapur district as well from other districts and neighbouring states.
All shops and business houses have been reminded to strictly abide by and maintain the safety guidelines as per latest COVID-19 SOPs.
“DCCI will take strict action against those shops violating the safety guidelines made by the district task force, Dimapur,” it cautioned.
