DEMANDS SAFETY ASSURANCE FROM GOVT; CAB LIKELY TO TAKE UP ISSUE
Despite last ditch effort by the district administration Dimapur Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has declared it will go ahead with its indefinite shutter down strike from April 26 till the state government assures the safety of traders.
This was disclosed to media persons by DCCI vice president Shikuto Sema, following more than three hours of deliberations between the District administration and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Wednesday, at the DC’s conference hall.
Shikuto also clarified that the shutter down was not a public bandh but involving only business establishments as a necessary measure till concrete response was received from the authorities. He revealed that the meeting was convened by the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur where all CSOs who attended, supported DCCI’s decision for the shutter down.
On whether the strike will be effective, convener, DCCI public grievance cell, Omega Yepthomi, said he was optimistic.
Asked about the response of the district administration on the strike, Omega disclosed that it has assured to write to the government Wednesday night itself and that the DCCI will await the response.
Asked whether the matter should be taken at the state government level or the district level, he maintained that it should be at the level of either the Chief Minister or Chief Secretary.
He also said that unless the state government assures the safety of the traders, the DCCI would carry on with the indefinite shutter down strike.
Meanwhile, chairman CNCCI, Khekugha Muru told media persons that he endorsed DCCI’s call for the shutter down while criticizing the government’s inaction on the longstanding demand.
Muru said the issue went beyond the DCCI as it was a concern throughout Nagaland.
He also said that in the past shutter down imposed by business communities were for one-day and did not elicit any response from the government. He also lauded the indefinite shutter down as a “right step”.
Muru also lamented that neither the state government nor the Naga public took past shutter down strike seriously.
He also pointed out that business in Dimapur was dying due to such activities and that it was time to make it clear to the state government, Naga public and those levying tax that DCCI was “very serious” about the shutter down.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, described the meeting as fruitful and affirmed that he would forward all the grievances raised by DCCI to the state government for prompt resolution.
He also expressed the hope that the DCCI would call off its strike as and when a positive response was received from the state government.
Dr. Tinojonghsi also clarified that the shutter down was not a bandh but only a temporary measure until a positive response was received from the government.
When asked if the shutter down by DCCI was justifiable, the DC replied that the former has the moral support of all the CSOs present over taxation.
Dr. Tinujonshi acknowledged the potential impact on the public if the shutter down continued for more days but expressed hope of an early resolution.
He also confirmed that the matter could be brought to the state government’s attention, with a cabinet meeting scheduled for April 26 to address the ongoing situation in Dimapur. He also clarified that no ultimatum had been given by DCCI.
DCCI clarifies
DCCI has clarified that the indefinite shutdown starting from April 26 applies only to the business community. All other establishments will remain open, and there will be unrestricted movement of vehicles.
