The Dimapur Municipal Council’s (DMC) recent move to allow bakeries, saloons, restaurants, and shops dealing in perishable items to open on Sundays after 12 noon has drawn mixed responses from residents and business owners alike.
In a notice issued on Saturday, DMC stated that the new relaxation would be effective immediately, marking a significant shift from the long-standing practice of a near-total Sunday shutdown in the city.
For years, Sundays in Dimapur meant shuttered shops and minimal commercial activity, pushing hundreds of residents to head across the border to towns like Lahorijan and Khatkhati in Assam to buy essentials like vegetables, groceries, meat, and other household items. The new directive, however, is gradually changing that trend.
As observed by this reporter, the partial lifting of restrictions has already made a positive economic impact, with many residents opting to shop locally rather than travel across state lines. Business in central areas such as New Market saw visible footfall on Sunday post-noon.
“This move by DMC has impacted directly and indirectly on all residents and businessmen across Dimapur. I cannot go for shopping on weekdays due to my work schedule. I have to hire an auto-rickshaw and cross the gate (border) to buy vegetables for the whole week. This means I have to pay more on fare as well as groceries, and also be at the receiving end of abuse by the local people there. This move by DMC will surely lessen my burden,” said a private school teacher, who welcomed the flexibility after attending church service.
She acknowledged that some might be against the move as Sunday was considered a rest day. However, she said it was convenient that she could do grocery shopping after attending the church.
A shopkeeper in New Market expressed appreciation for the change, stating that it would help reduce wastage of perishable goods and enable business continuity throughout the week.
A local family, returning from church, also welcomed the move.
“We used to drive to Assam almost every Sunday noon after church. But, now, with the shops opening after 12, it’s more convenient and safer.
Plus, we are putting money back into our own economy instead of spending it outside,” a family member remarked.
However, a section of the people did not share the same enthusiasm. A local pastor, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over the sanctity of Sunday being diluted.
“Sunday has always been a day of worship and family. Opening shops may slowly lead to more commercialisation and take away the essence of the day,” he said.
Some workers in the service sector also voiced concerns. Two waitresses, heading to their restaurant jobs, shared that the change impacted their rest and church schedules.
“If I have to report to work on Sundays too, even if it is after 12, it doesn’t feel like a proper rest day anymore. Also, I cannot attend youth services anymore,” one of them lamented.
Her colleague added that while their employer had promised increased pay for Sunday work, spiritual and rest time were more important to her.
Meanwhile, another shopkeeper in New Market, found cleaning his store with the shutter half open, expressed mixed feelings.
“I wasn’t even aware of the new notice. I was surprised to see so many people in the market today. For me, Sunday is about cleaning the shop and spending time with my family. I will probably stick to that schedule,” he said.
Monday, July 14, 2025