Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) along with various Dimapur-based civil society organizations, tribal hohos, unions, and associations asked both Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the State government to resolve the issue of indefinite shutter down within two days.
In a representation to the chief secretary, signed by NCD president Etsungmomo Kikon, vice president (CB) GK Rengma, general secretary LK Peter Anal, and vice president (Adm) Holuto Aye, the NCD stated that failure to resolve the matter within two days would compel the council, along with the CSOs, hohos, unions, and associations, to take further stringent action in Dimapur district. This was also among several resolutions adopted at the joint consultative meeting held on Saturday at NCD hall, Dimapur to deliberate on the ongoing indefinite shutter down called by DCCI.
The house also served a 45-day deadline on the Home department and the Dimapur district administration to thoroughly verify and scrutinize all the existing unions/associations/welfare organizations.
The house acknowledged the State government for its serious approach to the issue and appreciated its issuance of specific instructions to adhere to the ceasefire ground rules. The house also commended the decision to book all forms of extortion and tax collection activities under NSA. Additionally, the house applauded the DGP for deploying additional forces to curb illegal and rampant collections in Dimapur.
The house resolved to extend its support to the ongoing indefinite shutter-down in Dimapur District, affirming that the NCD would actively participate in the negotiation process and subsequent decisions.
The meeting also reaffirmed the October 10, 2012 resolution of NCD, emphasizing that no arbitrary imposition of lightning bandh/strikes will be permitted under its jurisdiction without prior permission in the future.
Given the gravity of the situation, the house resolved that no illegal taxation/extortion would be entertained to any Naga Political Groups (NPGs) unless the impasse is resolved between the CSOs, State government and Government of India.
The house reiterated NCD’s previous memorandum to the Centre, urging for prompt resolution of the Naga political issue, stating that it was the root cause of illegal money collection from both the business community and the public.
Meanwhile, the house re-affirmed to empower the Dimapur Public Grievances Committee under Vigilance Committee of NCD to address all the grievances of the public in Dimapur.
In a concerted effort to address the lingering concerns that led to indefinite shutter down strike earlier called by DCCI and subsequently the state-wide indefinite shutter down strike from April 27 called by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has urged DCCI and CNCCI to expedite discussions with the state government for a swift resolution.
Speaking to media persons, NCD president Etsungmomo Kikon underscored this imperative following an extensive session with various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at the council’s conference hall here Saturday. Despite protracted deliberations extending over three hours, no conclusive decision could be reached due to the absence of DDCCI representation.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Kikon stressed the need for DDCCI and CNCCI to promptly engage with the state government to ease the burden on the public, notably affecting students grappling with the closure of petrol pumps. While clarifying that schools and traffic operations remained unaffected, Kikon underscored the challenges posed by the cessation of petrol pump services, particularly for commuters.
To comprehensively address these issues, the meeting resolved to establish the “Dimapur Grievances Committee,” chaired by NCD’s Vigilance Committee, and comprising tribal presidents and CSO representatives. This committee will spearhead efforts to redress grievances and liaise with the state government for effective solutions.
Furthermore, Kikon raised concerns regarding extortion activities in Dimapur, involving not only Naga Political Groups (NPGs) but also various unions and associations levying fees, exacerbating the plight of businesses. He expressed optimism that the grievance committee would engage with the government to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.
Regarding escalating prices of essential commodities by Assam traders amid the closure, Kikon urged public cooperation and emphasized fair pricing practices. He reiterated NCD’s stance on “One Government One Tax” and called for compliance from traders and business owners regarding taxation issues.
NCD (CB) vice president GK Rengma echoed NCD’s commitment to the principle of “One Government One Tax” and raised concerns regarding the proliferation of NPGs in the state post the Framework Agreement. He also highlighted the prevalence of multiple unions engaging in taxation activities, emphasizing the need for scrutiny into this phenomenon. Rengma commended the efforts of the Police and district administration in maintaining peace in the district, underscoring their tireless endeavours amidst challenging circumstances.
BAN proposes digitalizing fee collection; non-reporting of taxation as offence
Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has put forth suggestions to check rampant collections under various guises to combat extortion.
Akum Jamir, convener of the Grievance Cell at the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), outlined BAN’s strategies to combat rampant extortion and unauthorized taxation in the city. While BAN has yet to engage directly with NCD’s vigilance committee, Akum disclosed that BAN, as a member of NCD Dimapur Grievances Committee, identified two critical areas for immediate action.
Firstly, BAN intends to advocate for stricter regulations on the numerous welfare committees and unions operating in Dimapur, highlighting their proliferation, numbering over 100. Akum emphasized the need for rigorous government enforcement of financial guidelines within these entities. He proposed mandatory digital transactions for all fee collections to ensure transparency and accountability.
Akum also stressed the importance of promptly reporting crimes and taxation incidents, citing examples of truck drivers overcharging under the pretext of NPG taxation. He advocated for non-reporting to be treated as extortion or terror funding.