A 12-hour “total closure of shops and business establishments in Nagalim” called by NSCN (I-M) against Government of India (GoI) for keeping silent on the Framework Agreement (FA) even after six years evoked mixed response in Nagaland.
While Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung and Peren witnessed total closure, the shops remained opened in some districts, as per reports received here.
In Dimapur, shops and business establishments remained closed till 12 noon, despite the directive issued by the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industries to conduct business as usual.
Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) president Akashe K Zhimomi told Nagaland Post over the phone that the shops had to remain closed following the NSCN (I-M) closure call. However, he said that since there was no official intimation from NSCN (I-M) to CNCCI, the chamber was compelled to issue directive not to close the shops.
Describing as “rude shock” the sudden notice for closure of market, DCCI president said the notice came at a time when the business community had just started to build their “shattered economy”.
Zhimomi asserted that protests of any kind involving closure of business establishments resulted in losing crores of rupees per day. He said that the traders had already undergone untold sufferings and economic hardships due to pandemic. “It is a very difficult situation for a lot of businesses community…all are trying to reopen now, so this is a very trying moment for them…” he added.
Zhimomi said the business community supported and respected all Naga political groups in their pursuit for final solution. He, however, said that the businesses should not be hampered by giving out order for closure without proper intimidation.
DCCI president lamented that the business community had been “sandwiched” between the parties as there was no rescue from the state government and civil society groups.
Kohima: All shops and business establishments remained closed in the State capital Kohima till 12 noon on Tuesday despite CNCCI directive to the trade bodies to carry out business as usual.
Shops in all the colonies remained closed and while there was a drop in movement of people, there was no respite in vehicular movement as traffic congestion began even before shops resumed their normal business.
Mokokchung: Closure of shops called by the NSCN (I-M) passed off peacefully without any untoward incidents even shops downed their shutters till 12 noon. Normal business activity came to a grinding halt while the main town square wore a deserted look.
Meanwhile, NSCN (I-M) Ao region CAO, P Lima Kichu and secretary Lidener have expressed gratitude to district administration, all the leaders, civil society groups particularly the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries for their understanding and cooperation towards making closure call a success.
Ao region lauded the “matured political understanding of the Aos who wholeheartedly extended their support during the closure of the shops.”