Even as the Dimapur District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI)’s indefinite shutter down of shops and business establishments began on April 26, 2024, many organisations including trade bodies have extended their support to the DCCI.
PDCCI: Phek District Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PDCCI) extended its full support to DCCI and requested all the business members to be prepared for the indefinite shutter-down starting from April 27, 2024 if the government did not heed to DCCI demand. In a press release, PDCCI president Chetezo Akami and general secretary Kupa H Keyho stated that Phek district for the past few days had been facing waves of extortion. PDCCI said that business members were “arbitrated to redeem-cash through phones (online-transfer) and multiple taxation through letters”.
Affirming its stand against extortion, harassment and multiple taxation upon business community in the district, PDCCI has appealed to all the right-thinking citizens and CSOs to stand in solidarity with the DCCI and the business community of Nagaland at large. The chamber also assured to cooperate with the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on the impending of all Nagaland shutter-down.
NTTU: Extending its “unstinted support and solidarity” to DCCI’s call, the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) stated that the “menace of illegal and multiple taxation” by the different Naga political groups (NPGs) had been a scourge to the business community, other traders and Naga entrepreneurs since the past many decades till date. In a press release, NTTU president Kevise Sogotsu stated that timber traders and tree farmers in Nagaland had also always been at the receiving end of unscrupulous elements who were “all out to snatch the hard-earned labour of timber traders and tree farmers.” The union stated that DCCI’s move was “a wake-up call” to every citizen of Nagaland on how long they could tolerate such illegal and blatant activities under the nose of the government and its law enforcing agencies. NTTU asked the state government to take decisive action to totally eradicate the menace of illegal multiple taxation.
PUD: Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) affirmed to stand in solidarity with DCCI and “vehemently” denounced the “excessive taxation, intimidation, unwarranted summonses” and relentless harassment perpetrated against the business community by various NPGs. In a press release, PUD president Tiameren and general secretary Keyigwalunga said that the “wholeheartedly” supports the DCCI decision in light of the escalating challenges faced by businesses in Dimapur. PUD said the proposed protest served as a crucial stand against the systemic injustices and hardships endured by entrepreneurs and traders alike. PUD has, therefore, directed all poultry traders within the jurisdiction of Dimapur to actively participate in the shutter down protest.
NGRC-1CU: Nagaland Government Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union (NGRC-1CU) has expressed its support for the DCCI in addressing the issue of multiple taxation, which it said was a genuine and challenging cause for the public.
In a press note, NGRC-1CU president Theyiekielie Thachu and secretary Abel P Shohe highlighted the pervasive problem of illegal taxes imposed by various factions on the public in Nagaland. They emphasized that over time, more groups have emerged, each collecting taxes under the guise of national causes. The union said that extortion, kidnapping, and abduction of businessmen, as well as threats for monetary gain, have become a daily affair, resulting in harassment of the public in various forms. The union emphasized that DCCI has adopted the correct stance in addressing the issue of illegal multiple taxation by national workers. It asserted that while the business community was directly impacted by these taxes, the ultimate victims were the public, who bear the burden of these additional costs when purchasing goods and commodities.
CSC VLE Society: Common Service Centre (CSC) VLE Society of Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima, in solidarity with DCCI has announced a one-day shutter down on April 26, 2024, from 6am to 6pm for Niuland and Chümoukedima. In Dimapur district, CSC Dimapur said it would collaborate with DCCI for an indefinite shutter down until further notice by DCCI. In a press release, society chairman Menkato V Awomi and publicity & information secretary A Shyerhunlo Lorin have urged all VLEs (village level entrepreneurs) in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland to comply with its appeal.
RWMSA: RO water manufacturers and suppliers association (RWMSA) through its president Hukuto Khulu and general secretary Nokinlemba Jamir informed that the association at its emergency meeting held on April 24,2024 declared to support the proposed indefinite shutter down call by DCCI in protest against the unabated and multiple taxation.
SYO: Sumi Youth Organization (SYO) has “unequivocally” supported the decision of DCCI to impose an indefinite business shutdown in Dimapur. While extending unwavering solidarity with the business community in their fight against the illegal practices, SYO affirmed that timely intervention by the State government was crucial to protect the interests of the business community and establish a sustainable economic environment. SYO further urged the government to work collaboratively with the business community to address the ongoing challenges faced by them.
TYOD: Tenyimi Youth Organization Dimapur District (TYOD) has extended full support and solidarity to the clarion call by DCCI against the unabated multiple taxation and harassment meted out by various Naga political groups.
TYOD president Khrozote Kapfo and general secretary Asungbe N Hau appealed to its federating units to co-operate in the indefinite shutdown and support the demands of DCCI.