Dimapur’s cottage industry

Dimapur today resembles a city under siege-not by external enemies, but by the unchecked proliferation of organizations, unions, and committees that claim to serve society while draining its lifeblood. In a city of barely two lakh residents, there are more than 300 groups encompassing community, youth, women, women, trade and commerce. What most of them call “fee” or “fundraising” is an euphemism for collections that leave traders, shopkeepers and transporters trapped in a cycle of demands disguised as service. The sheer number of civic groups has not translated into better governance or accountability. Instead, the activities of most have choked Dimapur’s economy and eroded its civic life. Shopkeepers already struggling with poor sales face constant demands for “donations” or “taxes” from every quarter. The timeline of government “bans” is a testament to the stubbornness of this issue. From the notifications of 2009 and 2012 to the landmark 2014 Gauhati High Court judgment and the public rallies led by ACAUT in 2013, the mandate has always been clear- illegal collection must end. Yet, the 2015 report by a High Power Committee (HPC) remains shrouded in secrecy, and the efforts of groups like the Public Action Committee (PAC) in 2019 were met with a lack of political will to act from the government. The collection cottage industry refused to go and this has forced an exodus of traders and businesses. Meanwhile, the city’s infrastructure is collapsing. Roads are deplorable, power cuts persist, and markets remain chaotic. Unless citizens unite and the state asserts their authority, peace and prosperity will collapse under the weight of self styled parallel authorities. The threat is real, and delay is no longer an option. If civic groups truly wish to serve the people, they should not burden the trade and business with ‘donations’ or fees or tax in whatever form or excuses. Any member collecting money under whatever pretext-or shielding those who do-should be made legally accountable. What Dimapur needs is decisive action to stem the rot. Digital tracking of goods, strict policing of illegal toll points, and genuine enforcement against monopolies and extortion are essential. Without these measures, the city will remain hostage to parallel authorities that act without responsibility or accountability. The liquor ban is a telling example of failed policy that has created a thriving black market under syndicates. Black markets and vice dens flourish under the protection of vested interests. Dimapur’s problem is not a shortage of organizations-it is a shortage of truth speaking and accountability. The city will remain trapped until its many civic groups stop competing over narrow identities and start insisting together on basic necessities. Citizens must demand better, and the government must abandon its “consultation syndrome” with NGOs. Governance cannot be outsourced to endless consultations; it requires direct confrontation to challenges and bold decisions. Dimapur stands at a crossroads. Either it continues down the path of paralysis, or it reclaims its future through unity, accountability, and decisive state action. This issue has been highlighted in this columns for over three decades. What will determine whether the city remains hostage to illegal collections or rises as a hub of genuine progress now rests with the public.