Dimapur, October 25 (MExN): The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has asked the Nagaland Government to clarify its position on recent ‘directive’ purportedly calling for Sunday closure of shops and shutdown of non-Naga business establishment across the stat.
The statement follows recent media releases attributed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland/Federal Republic Government of Nagaland (NSCN/FRGN) carried by digital news outlets. The group has recently surfaced in public discourse through such statements, although its formation and organisational status could not be independently verified.
In a press release, the CNCCI sought a public assurance from the State Government that it remains in charge of the administration and demanded an investigation into the directive, with action in accordance with the law if it is found to have no lawful authority.
The CNCCI said respect for Sunday worship must be balanced with the practical requirements of businesses, arguing that ensuring employees receive a weekly day of rest should not be equated with imposing a blanket ban on Sunday trading.
Reiterating its guiding principle of “Naga First”, the chamber said promoting Naga entrepreneurship should not mean excluding other communities from lawful economic participation. It maintained that economic progress depends on enterprise, innovation and access to wider markets, cautioning that restrictions on businesses based on ethnicity could affect investor confidence and create communal tension.
The CNCCI also urged the FRGN to remain focused on the Naga political issue rather than involving itself in matters it considers beyond the movement’s mandate.
The chamber called on the State Government to publicly clarify its position on the directive and disclose the action taken.
While stating that it does not wish to inconvenience the public during the ongoing festive season, the CNCCI cautioned that it may take its own course of action if the government fails to respond promptly.
