As public in Dimapur gear up for the indefinite shutter-down strike through closure of all shops and business establishments beginning from April 26, shoppers on Wednesday, rushed to markets to stock pile food while motorists drove to fuel pumps to fill up vehicles and container cans with fuel.
It may be mentioned that the indefinite shutter down was called on April 23 by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) after various appeals to the state government to check rampant, unabated, multiple taxations, intimidation and summons on members of the business and trading community by Naga Political Groups (NPGs), failed to elicit any tangible action.
However, it may also be noted that the DCCI on April 24 after the marathon meeting with the DC Dimapur and various CSOs, informed media persons that the strike could be called off in the event the state government took prompt action to tackle such activities and also ensure security of business in Dimapur.
Meanwhile, this Reporter went daily markets and observed that some of the vendors had hiked prices on account of heavy demand due to panic buying.
A shopper alleged that vendors had raised prices of vegetables on the plea that there was short supply due to heavy demand and for which dealers were charging extra.
Another said that vendors said prices were raised as wholesale dealers were unsure when their next consignment would arrive due to the shutter down strike.
A lady shopping for vegetables expressed serious concern that there was price rise due to the strike called to protest against illegal taxation. She said in the end, it is the customers who end up at the receiving end.
A senior citizen backed the strike against rampant taxation and harassment on members of the business and trading community. He said such rampant activities not only damage the economy but also created an environment of lawlessness.
He said the low-income group and daily wage earners were the most affected by the rampant taxation and also expressed concern over market syndication racket in Dimapur.
It was also learnt that many people had gone to nearby Dillai and Khatkhati in Karbi Anglong for shopping.
To their dismay, some alleged that prices of vegetables and other items have also been hiked due to heavy rush from Dimapur.
Prices of vegetables and other items in markets at Karbi Anglong used to be almost half the rate at Dimapur. However, over the years, prices have been hiked but marginally kept slightly lower than the steep rates at Dimapur.
One-day shutter down in Kohima: Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has also announced a one-day shutter down on April 26 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in solidarity with DCCI’s indefinite shutter down strike,
However, KCCI said that pharmacies, hotels, and bakeries have been exempted to ensure access to essential medical supplies and accommodation for travelers in the district.