One-day shutter down in Mokokchung, Wokha Medziphema
Dimapur, April 25 (MExN): More business associations and other organisations today extended their solidarity to “indefinite shutter down” call by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) from April 26, ever as CNCCI cautioned of statewide agitation from April 27.
In a statement, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) termed the indefinite shutter down as ‘Totally Justified’ as multiple taxation by multiple groups, uncountable fines and day in and out harassment meted out to the business community cannot be tolerated any further.
The office of the CNCCI is fully behind the DCCI in letter and spirit and is closely monitoring the development, it said.
If the DCCI grievances are not addressed by the government at the appropriate time the CNCCI will step up the agitation and go for an indefinite whole Nagaland shutter down from April 27, it added.
It also appealed across sections of society to support the business community in its demand as it affects every citizen of Nagaland.
MCCI: Conveying its solidarity, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), stated that present situation in Dimapur – and Nagaland as a whole – warrants a real shake-up, and the measures taken by the DCCI are necessary and commendable.
It further informed that Mokokchung underwent similar situation in the 1990s and early 2000s and the “people eventually said enough is enough and took matters into their own hands.”
As a result, Mokokchung is relatively the most peaceful town in Nagaland today and is the least affected by the menace of extortion by Naga Political Groups (NPGs) in the name of the Naga national movement,” it added.
The NPGs must cease and desist from their illegal activities or face the wrath of the people, it asserted.
The MCCI also called upon the Government of Nagaland (GoN) should prioritise restoring law and order.
Meanwhile, the MCCI said that it is ready to cooperate with the CNCCI and join the proposed state-wide indefinite shutter down protest if the government does not heed to the demand of the DCCI.
WCCI: The Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCCI) also called for a shutter down on April 26 from 6AM-6PM in solidarity with DCCI. It further affirm its stand to co-operate the demand and assure to depress any issue which impede the business community at large. The Chamber also requested the general public of Wokha to bear with the inconveniences and extend their support for the genuine cause.
MTCC: The Medziphema Town Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) has also called for a one-day shutter down in solidarity with DCCI and directed all shops and business establishments under Medziphema are requested to remain closed on April 26.
It also urged the general public to support the common cause and regretted the inconvenience.
DVC: The Trade and Commerce Committee under Diphupar Village Council (DVC) has resolved to support the DCCI and directed all the business establishment within the village jurisdiction for closure of shop on April 26 in solidarity.
WSH: The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) along with its frontal organisations today assured its full support to the DCCI.
The delay in resolving the Naga political issue is seen as the root cause of all the social issues in the State, it stated.
Accordingly, the WSH urged the Union Government, State Government, and all NPGs to prioritise finding “a permanent solution that reflects the aspirations of the Naga people.”
“Further delays could reduce the Naga political issue to a mere law and order problem, disregarding the Naga people's desire for a dignified resolution,” it added.
Calling upon all stakeholders towards finding a permanent solution at the earliest, it also appealed all stakeholders to expedite the process and address the legitimate grievances of the people.
In unity with the DCCI and those impacted by the prevalent issues of taxation and extortion, the WSH advocates for a collaborative effort to create a prosperous future for Nagaland, it added.
DAYO: The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) also extended its full support to the DCCI and highlighted the need for collective action response as well as a comprehensive policy intervention by the Government of the day to check the rampant issue of multiple taxation.
The menace of multiple taxations have not only hampered the economic growth of Dimapur but the entire state, it added.
Meanwhile, it further informed that as representatives of the Ao community, DAYO operates a 24x7 Helpline where community members report grievances, following the principle of community policing.
“We encourage every community in Dimapur to adopt similar measures to address the menace of extortion and multiple taxation effectively,” it added.
The Organisation also noted that over the years, DAYO has actively filed numerous FIRs and shared crucial information with law enforcement agencies whenever its members have been intimidated and conveyed its firm belief in citizen participation to combat crime.
Accordingly, it urged upon all citizens to report any criminal activities to the police and remain vigilant against illegal taxation and collections. “Make use of the helpful MADEIN mobile app launched by the Police Department especially for those who want to remain anonymous,” it added.
NTTU: The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) also extended its unstinted support and solidarity to DCCI and noted that e timber traders and tree farmers in Nagaland have also always been at the receiving end of unscrupulous elements who are all out to snatch their hard earned labour.
The DCCI’s move is a wake-up call to every citizens of Nagaland on how long they can tolerate such illegal and blatant activities under the very nose of the government and its law enforcing agencies, it said. The government of the day must take decisive action to totally eradicate the menace of illegal multiple taxation, it added.
CSC VLE Society: The Common Service Centre (CSC) VLE Society of Dimapur, Niuland, and Chumukedima in solidarity with DCCI has also announced a one-day shutter down on April 26 from 6AM-6PM for Niuland and Chümoukedima.
Furthermore, for Dimapur District, CSC Dimapur will collaborate with DCCI in an indefinite shutter down until further notice is issued by DCCI, it added.
The CSC Society of Dimapur also urged all VLEs (Village Level Entrepreneurs) in the three districts to comply with its decision and stated that the Society or any affiliated office would not be responsible for any consequences that arise from non-compliance.
