ACVA clarifies stand on commercial vehicles in Wokha

DIMAPUR: All Commercial Vehicle Association (ACVA), Wokha district, has clarified that it does not seek to restrict interstate vehicles or obstruct interstate trade and commerce, saying its concern is limited to outside or non-local commercial activities operating within the district.
In a public clarification, ACVA said its stand and demands had been misrepresented before various authorities, organisations and the public, creating an impression that it was opposed to interstate vehicles.
The association said it was appealing to outside/non-local commercial vehicle operators residing and conducting business in Wokha district to consider giving local entrepreneurs an opportunity to ply commercial vehicles within the district. It said the appeal was made in the spirit of mutual understanding, coexistence and creating opportunities for the younger generation.
ACVA clarified that it did not oppose lawful interstate vehicles passing through Wokha district or seek to obstruct lawful interstate trade and commerce. It also said it did not advocate unlawful blockades, intimidation, forced stoppage or harassment of vehicles or drivers.
The association said its concern was particularly with outside/non-local commercial activities being conducted within the district where such activities could adversely affect legitimate local entrepreneurs or where compliance with applicable laws and regulations required examination.
ACVA said it was not asking any private association to exercise governmental powers, but wanted competent authorities to examine the matter according to law and ensure that the same legal and regulatory requirements were applied fairly and uniformly to all concerned.
It sought a lawful, fair and transparent framework that protects legitimate local economic opportunities and provides local entrepreneurs and the younger generation a fair opportunity to build their livelihoods without interfering with lawful interstate movement and commerce.
The association stressed that its stand was not an “anti-outsider or anti-interstate campaign”, but an appeal for mutual understanding, fair opportunity and lawful regulation.
It urged Lotha people, frontal organisations, civil society organisations, authorities and the general public not to be misled by representations that distort its position and said the matter should be understood from its original communication and substance.
ACVA said its objective was to ensure that lawful business continued peacefully while local entrepreneurs and the younger generation were given a fair opportunity to participate in the economic development of Wokha district.