Dimapur, October 29 (MExN): The Ward 21 Welfare Committee, a conglomeration of four colonies— Notun Bosti, Middle Point Colony, Churches Colony and Nyamo Lotha Colony— has resolved to keep all the business establishments, excluding petrol pumps and pharmacies, within its jurisdiction closed until 12:00 noon on all Sundays.
“Although the vast majority of people in our state do declare their faith and value the Sundays, it is important to note that this decision was only put up for public convenience and not from a religious standpoint,” it stated in a press release on Saturday. The committee believes that there will be no problem with a half-day closure of Sundays for all private business establishments/street vendors under its jurisdiction based on the right of labour to rest, it added.
However, considering the economic and consumer standpoint as well as the issue of perishable goods and necessities like pharmacies, eateries, designated places for market/street vendors, businesses would be permitted to open/operate only after 12:00 noon. Both those who write the laws and those who abide by the laws will benefit from this, it said.
It further reasoned that trade and commerce are necessities for a developing global city like Dimapur, “so forcing full-day closures wouldn't be wise or possible.” However, certain changes that would benefit the entire community can be encountered; and basing on the aforementioned justification, the Committee would be imposing half-day closure on Sundays, it said, while seeking the co-operation of all concerned.
