Not satisfied with govt’s response, says CNCCI
Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) have affirmed that it would go ahead with the scheduled total shutdown of all shops, markets and business houses on Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Talking to Nagaland Post, CNCCI chairman Dr Khekugha Muru said that they were not satisfied with the way the government’s had addressed their demands, particularly on two issues– multiple taxation/extortion and “reservation nominee representation” in local bodies.
Khekugha pointed out that their demand was to press for a strong state-wide mechanism to keep check on multiple taxation/extortion issues and not for Dimapur district only, as the issue affects the entire state.
With regard to nominees representation in municipal, town, adhoc town councils, he said that their demand was for inclusion of “nominee representation” of members from business/trade bodies in the Nagaland Municipal Act.
Meanwhile, in a press release, DCCI president Akashe Zhimomi, while affirming that the trade body would go ahead with one-day closure, however, clarified that there should not be any confusion regarding the shutter-down protest, which would be only confined to all shops, markets and business establishments and restrictions in goods transport.
DCCI assured that the protest would in no way affect or hinder normal functioning of government offices, banks or educational institutions. Also, there would not be any restriction on plying of government or private vehicles, except goods transport, it added.
Conveying its gratitude to CNCCI and all its subordinate district units and various civil society organisations for extending solidarity and support in the collective fight against the menace of illegal and multiple taxations, DCCI also acknowledged the latest steps taken by the State government in addressing some grievances of the business community.
But, it said it agreed with CNCCI that the response of the government to “certain demands” was still vague. On the shutdown day, volunteers would be stationed at strategic points and gates to ensure smooth and peaceful observance of the democratic protest.
More organisations support one-day shop closure
More organisations have affirmed support for the one-day total shop closure call given by DCCI and CNCCI’s state-wide closure of all shops and business establishments to show solidarity with DCCI’s protest against multiple taxation by Naga political groups and government agencies on September 16.
EDBA: Extending full support to DCCI call for total shutdown of all shops and business establishment, the East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA) Wednesday through its president Atoka Zhimomi and joint secretary Krishna Chetri announced closure of all shops and business under its jurisdiction on September 16.
PCCI: Phek Chamber of Commerce & Industries (PCCI) announced its decision to go for one-day business closure in solidarity with DCCI and in pursuance to CNCCI representation to the state government several charter of demands. In a press release, PCCI president Thupuhu Venuh and general secretary Chetezo Akami said that it would impose one-day business closure along with the rest of the district chambers of Nagaland on September 16.
MCCI: In solidarity with the DCCI and in support of CNCCI, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Wednesday said it would resort to closure of all shops/business establishments at Mokokchung town on September 16, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In a press release, MCCI said the one-day closure of shops and business establishments was being necessitated to bring to the notice of the state government the grievances faced by the business community of Nagaland.
NTUCT: Naga Tribal Union Chumoukedima (NTUCT) Wednesday announced its “full support” for the one-day shutdown call by DCCI.
In a press release, NTUCT president Lhousito Khro and general secretary Longshi Kikon stated that the “menace of rampant illegal taxation and extortion” by the various organisation and government agencies had become a regular norm in the state, which it they described was “very alarming and intimidating”.
NTUCT stated rampant illegal taxation has led to increase in price of commodities effecting not only the business community, but also the common public.
NTUCT has called upon all the stakeholders and general public to raise their voice in unity till justice was meted out.
DDGWTU: Dimapur district garage welfare trade union (DDGWTU) Wednesday extended support to CNCCI’s call for state-wide closure of shops and business establishments on September 16.
DDGWTU stated that menace of illegal taxation has “supressed the smooth running of business establishments”. The union said it has, therefore, decided to endorse CNCCI’s “shutter down” protest against illegal taxation by the Naga political groups and government agencies.
