Dimapur, May 11 (MExN): The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has issued a rejoinder stating that the recent controversy involving its actions against a business establishment has been “misrepresented” as an issue related to Maximum Retail Price (MRP) violations, asserting instead that the matter concerns alleged irregularities involving Non-Naga Indigenous Certificates.
In a press release, the DNSU said it has been “wrongly accused of taking action against a shop on MRP grounds,” maintaining that such claims are “factually incorrect.”
“The matter, in reality, pertains to the serious issue of Non-Naga Indigenous Certificates. It is deeply concerning that certain individuals and organisations are deliberately manipulating the narrative to divert public attention and portray it as a mere pricing issue,” the Union stated.
The DNSU also condemned what it described as “unwarranted and ill-informed statements” issued by certain organisations criticising the Union’s actions. According to the Union, such remarks were made without “proper understanding of the matter” and only served to “mislead the public and obscure the real issue at hand.”
Reiterating its position, the Union said that all actions undertaken by the DNSU are guided by “the larger indigenous Naga interest and the welfare, security, and future of Naga society.”
“DNSU functions under the trust and mandate of the various tribal student bodies in Dimapur, and our responsibility is to protect the rights and interests of the Naga people with sincerity, commitment, and accountability,” it stated.
The Union further cautioned organisations “with no direct concern or understanding of the matter” against interfering “merely for publicity or selective narratives,” and urged them to first “acquaint themselves with the facts and the seriousness of the issue” before issuing public statements.
According to the DNSU, the “core concern” relates to “non-tribal individuals procuring land without indigenous certification and engaging in questionable activities,” which it said directly impacts “the rights and safeguards of the indigenous Naga population.”
While asserting that MRP violations were not the central issue, the Union also raised concerns regarding consumer practices. It questioned whether “properly packaged products” should be sold without MRP declaration while consumers face “manipulation through arbitrary pricing and questionable GST practices.”
“While this is not the primary issue in the present case, such concerns should not be ignored by those claiming to uphold fairness and legality,” the statement added.
The DNSU also criticised organisations that objected to what they termed “unilateral actions” by the Union while allegedly remaining silent on “unilateral greed and unethical business practices that exploit the public daily.”
“Why is the ‘legal framework’ cited only to defend the accused, but never to protect the exploited consumers and local residents?” the Union questioned.
It further urged NGOs and organisations to “stop shielding business malpractices” and instead “stand for the welfare of the people they claim to represent.”
The Union also called for “transparency, accountability, and proactive self-regulation,” stating that entities should exercise “internal accountability and oversight” rather than reacting “only after irregularities are exposed publicly.”
Making its stand clear, the DNSU stated that it “does not require permission or approval from any individual or organisation that stands against the interests of the Naga people,” and asserted that it would continue to carry out its responsibilities “fearlessly, guided by truth, justice, and the collective welfare of Naga society.”
“Any attempt to distract, deflect, or interfere with this legitimate cause will be firmly resisted,” the Union added.
