In a significant development, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) held a joint meeting with around 1000 members of the business community of Dimapur City at Durga Mandir Saturday where a five-point resolution was adopted with regard to bandhs, Sunday shopping, unauthorised raids on shops and collection of taxes by self-styled individuals or organisations.
The meeting resolved that the business community of Dimapur, would under no circumstance, down shutters on bandhs called by any organisations, associations or unions unless it was a government administrative order or officially directed by the DCCI. Any business establishment violating the above resolution will be penalised with a fine of Rs.5000.
To supplement the above resolution, the house also decided that the business community will declare “non-cooperation in all forms” against those individual(s) and organisations who are found issuing any order or forcibly imposing closure that is against the interest of the business community.
Under resolution No.3. the house resolved that ‘Sunday Closure’ would be lifted after 12 noon on medical stores, hotels, lodging, tours and travels, confectionaries, dealers of all perishable items such as vegetables, fruits, fishes, groceries and saloons.
Under resolution No.2, the house resolved that the business community will not entertain any form of “illegal collection by NGOs and students bodies’ either in terms of cash, sale of calendars or lottery tickets. Those violating the resolution would be subjected to resultant action as deemed fit by the DCCI.
As per resolution No.4,the house decided that no individual or organisation will be allowed to conduct raid for expiry of items or MRP inside shops and godowns. It was resolved that those individuals or organisations having any grievance should report the matter with the appropriate authority and pursue the matter in a legal manner. The house therefore, cautioned that the business community shall file FIRs against any self-styled individual or organisation found collecting such tax or penalty.
In order to strengthen the business community, the house also unanimously resolved that all business establishments in Dimapur will be registered with DCCI in a time-bound manner.
Earlier, delivering special address at the meeting, Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) chairman Dr. Khekhuga Muru maintained that it was time for the entire business community to stand up for their rights and extend their support and strengthen DCCI.
Delivering presidential address, DCCI president Akashe Zhimomi urged the community members to respect one another and not to create misunderstanding within themselves. He called upon the members to promote healthy competition and continue to focus on their obligations.
DCCI secretary Chandu Agarwal, asked the business owners to be ethical and ensure that they pay their taxes to the state and not to some other states. He informed community members to inform DCCI if any business owner or company from other state(s) refused to deal with them. He asked the business community to keep their shops open till 7.30 pm during summer and 7 pm during winter. He also asked the business community to inform DCCI or other appropriate authorities, if miscreants create problems.
Solidarity messages were also delivered by DCCI advisor Dennis Yepthomi and Basu Damani.
The general meeting was chaired by DCCI secretary Ahidur Rahman, dedicatory prayer was given by LBCD associated pastor Lanlongo Yanthan, DCCI grievances cell chairman Omega Yepthomi delivered welcome address and DCCI general secretary Sanjay Sethi proposed vote of thanks.