Having failed to receive any positive response from the state government with regard to addressing the issues of unabated multiple taxation, intimidation and summons faced by the business community in the hands of various Naga political groups (NPGs), the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce &Industry (CNCCI) has announced going ahead with state-wide indefinite shutter down from Saturday.
CNCCI chairman Dr Khekugha Muru and general secretary Dr Seyievilie Mor conveyed this in a letter to presidents of all district chambers of commerce &industry (DCCIs).
“This is to inform your office that with no positive response from the state government, the office of the CNCCI has decided to go with all Nagaland indefinite shutter down starting 27th April, 2024,” the letter stated. In this regard, CNCCI requested cooperation from all DCCIs to ensure shutter down in their respective districts.
The trade body however stated that banking establishments, educational institutions, government offices, and all medical-related activities had been exempted from the purview of the shutter down.
CNCCI on Friday declared: “If the DCCI grievances are not addressed by the government at the appropriate time, the CNCCI will step up the agitation and go for an indefinite whole Nagaland Shutter down starting 27th of April, 2024.”.
It asserted that multiple taxation by multiple groups, “uncountable fines,” and harassment meted out to the business community could not be tolerated any further.
The District Chambers of Commerce & Industry– Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry have announced its decision to comply with the directive issued by the CNCCI to impose an indefinite state-wide shutter down starting from 7 a.m. of April 27, 2024
Meanwhile, the organizations have informed that the banking establishments, educational institutions, government offices and all medical related activities shall be exempted from the purview of the shutter down protest as instructed by CNCCI.
They furthered appealed to the public to extend their co-operation and bear with the inconveniences in the interest of the society.
ZCCI: In a press note, ZCCI Kikheto Muru and general secretary Inahoto Assumi said that they were not against the true spirit of Naga nationalism but, against the prevailing evils operating under the shadow of the national movement.
They, however, said that the present scenario in Zunheboto was nothing short of what was prevailing in Dimapur wherein almost all existing groups have been engaging in multiple taxation way beyond the level of tolerance, tantamount to deprivation of right to livelihood of the business community.
The parasitic nature prevailing in the market by multiple groups in the name of nationalism has become an unbearable burden for the enterprising business community, it said.
ZCCI said it was of the view that the outcome at any stage of national struggle should be to create a conducive and enabling ambience for its people to thrive and prosper whereas, the situation is ironically otherwise.
It further urged upon the government to understand the gravity of the issue and sincerely resolve and meet the demands with promptness.