Members of All Commercial Vehicle Owners' Association has been imposed an indefinite Chakka Bandh since November 3 in protest against the Nagaland Government's delay in disbursing payments for services provided during the 2023 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election held in February .
MOKOKCHUNG, November 5 (MExN): The District Chamber of Commerce and Industry in six districts – Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator – have extended solidarity with the ongoing indefinite "Chakka Bandh" initiated by the ACVOA since November 3.
Consequently, these six trade chambers have urged the Nagaland Government to promptly resolve the issue.
Prolonged strikes like the ongoing "Chakka Bandh" not only disrupt normal public life but also result in substantial economic losses in the fragile market and foster an atmosphere of distrust, they pointed out.
In a joint statement, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry from the "most affected districts" affirmed their unwavering support for the All Commercial Vehicle Owners' Association (ACVOA) in their ongoing protest against the Nagaland Government's delay in disbursing payments for services provided during the 2023 Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) election.
Governance in Nagaland should not be limited to specific districts like Kohima, Chümoukedima, and Dimapur, the statement read, emphasisiong that equal importance must be given to the remaining districts including Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Wokha, Tuensang, Shamator, Noklak, Longleng, Kipheri, Mon, Phek, Peren, and so on.
The issues faced by citizens in these districts are equally significant, and their concerns warrant the same level of attention and responsiveness, it added.
The indefinite protest initiated by the ACVOA serves as a stark reminder of the frustrations experienced by commercial vehicle owners who have been left with no recourse but to take to the streets to demand the payment they have rightfully earned, the six business chambers further contended.
The delay in disbursing payments has inflicted financial hardships on the commercial vehicle owners, and the government's reasons for this delay lack credibility, they pointed out, adding that situation reflects the disappointment and sense of betrayal felt by the ACVOA, stemming from the government's unfulfilled promises and payment delays.
In this regard, they have urged the State Government to take prompt action and immediately release the sanctioned amount to the ACVOA.
While underscoring the importance of accountability, transparency, and good governance, the six chambers further asserted that the State Government must honour its commitments to its citizens and ensure that such situations do not recur in the future.
Stating that the situation presents an opportunity for the Nagaland government to learn and enhance its governance, the six chambers stated that it is the government's responsibility to prioritise the legitimate concerns of its citizens, regardless of their location, in a prompt and transparent manner.
