Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Sunday said that it fully endorsed Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (MCCI) stand on the issue of ban of Tez, Talab and tobacco products by NSCN (I-M).
While clarifying that CNCCI and MCCI did not promote the consumption of tobacco products, the trade body reminded NSCN (I-M) that tobacco-related products were legal products purchased and retailed after paying Goods and Service Tax, and sold legally following Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) regulations.
Though the intention might be good, CNCCI pointed out that any attempt to ban selling of such products was condemned and not welcomed by the business community. Further reminding NSCN (I-M) that the business community had always been supportive of an early solution to Indo-Naga political issue, the trade body stressed that the former should focus all its resources and energy towards bringing an early solution, which was an aspiration of every Naga, rather than be carried away by such matters and issues that had no connection with Naga political aspiration and solution. CNCCI also expressed shock that the police, instead of reining on those people involved in illegal activities, were themselves involved in harassing the business community of Mokokchung.
It demanded that the matter be looked into by the highest authority and action taken against those police personal involved in harassing the business community at the earliest. Conveying to the MCCI that the business community of Nagaland was fully behind its fight, CNCCI further urged the Mokokchung trade body to ensure that such diktats did not hamper the business ecosystem of the district.