Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) has called upon the government and public to extend unflinching support and solidarity towards the business and trading community during this pandemic, where thousands of families are dependent for their livelihood and survival through business entrepreneurship.
In a release, KCCI president Medozhatuo Rutsa and secretary information and publicity Henry Chisüte also appealed the traders and entrepreneurs to cooperate with law enforcement to eradicate the menace of illegal collections, harassment and extortion. KCCI stated that along with mass public support it will stand beside those who come forward to report cases of extortion, robbery, hijacking and all sorts of criminal activities, victimizing its members who are working and earning their livelihood.
KCCI also made an appeal to all organisations – political, social or traditional to abstain from burdening the business community in these extremely difficult times, as they were struggling to make ends meet.
Pointing out that threats, taxation and extortion were on the rise both by members of political groups as well as criminals posing as members of the same armed Naga political groups, the KCCI regretted that a life has also been recently lost in an encounter with law enforcement at Kohima.
KCCI lauded the service of the Police department in particular for efforts to prevent extortion and also nab extortionist who have continuously been harassing the business community and the citizens of Kohima.
KCCI further requested the government and the judiciary to ensure that criminals were rightfully charged and sentenced so that citizens and entrepreneurs can thrive in peace to create employment, wealth and contribute not just to the state but to humanity in the years ahead.