Ban on vehicle signage: CNCCI urges govt to keep notification in abeyance

DIMAPUR, JUN 5 (NPN): Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has urged the state government to keep in abeyance the implementation of its recent notification banning religion-based, NGO-based and other unauthorized signages and identifiers on vehicles, calling for broader stakeholder consultations before enforcement.
In a press release, CNCCI chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru and general secretary Avi Chase expressed concern over the notification, particularly its lack of clarity on whether commercial vehicles fell within its ambit.
Stating that it was not opposed to the government’s authority to regulate vehicle markings under the Motor Vehicles Act, the chamber, however, questioned the urgency and broad scope of the notification in Nagaland’s unique socio-political and security context.
CNCCI noted that the legal provisions cited in the notification have existed for several years and that enforcement in other parts of the country has largely focused on unauthorised VIP markings, caste-based slogans, political displays, misuse of government insignia and modified number plates.
According to the chamber, states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have primarily targeted caste-based vehicle stickers and identifiers, while it was unaware of any nationwide, uniform enforcement prohibiting religious, church, NGO and community-based identifiers on vehicles. The chamber, therefore, questioned why the state government had adopted what it described as a broader interpretation without adequate public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Highlighting the state’s distinct circumstances, CNCCI pointed to the unresolved “Indo-Naga” political issue and the continued application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of the region. It said that vehicle identifiers associated with churches, tribal bodies, NGOs and community organisations have historically served as markers of identity, trust and public service.
CNCCI maintained that such identifiers have often facilitated recognition during emergencies, humanitarian activities and law-and-order situations, benefiting both government agencies and law enforcement authorities.
It also expressed concern over the practical implications of the notification for vehicles entering Nagaland from other states. According to CNCCI, the notification did not clearly state whether vehicles carrying religious symbols, institutional logos, charitable organisation markings or community identifiers would be exempt from enforcement, creating uncertainty for traders, transporters, tourists and visitors.
The chamber said policies with far-reaching social implications should be preceded by extensive consultations involving tribal hohos, church organisations, civil society groups, transport associations, business bodies and other stakeholders.
In view the light of the above, CNCCI urged the state government to suspend implementation of the notification and initiate a wider consultative process before introducing enforcement measures.
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, responsible governance and public order, the chamber stated that regulations affecting long-standing social and community practices should be implemented through dialogue, consultation and consensus, with due regard to Nagaland’s historical, socio-political and security realities.