CNCCI endorses MCCI’s stand on ban of tobacco products

DIMAPUR — The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has fully endorsed the stand of the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) on the issue of ban of ‘Tez,’ ‘Talab’ and other tobacco products by the NSCN (IM) in Mokokchung.

The CNCCI, in a press release, said that while the confederation and MCCI do not promote the consumption of tobacco products, it reminded the NSCN (IM) that tobacco-related products are legal products, purchased and retailed after paying Goods and Service Tax and can be sold legally by following regulations under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act. “Therefore, though the intention may be good any attempt to ban selling of such products is condemned and unwelcomed by the business community,” the CNCCI said. 

The confederation further reminded the NSCN (IM) that the business community has always been supportive of early solution to Indo-Naga political issue and, therefore, the NSCN (IM) should focus all its resources and energy towards bringing early Naga political solution, which is the aspiration of every Naga, “rather than be carried away by such matter and issues which has no connection with Naga political aspiration and solution.”

The CNCCI also said it was shocked to learn that the police, instead of reining in those people involved in illegal activities, are “themselves involved in harassing the business community of Mokokchung.”

“The CNCCI demands that the matter be looked into by the highest authority and action be taken against those police personal involved in harassing the business community of Mokokchung at the earliest,” it said.

“The CNCCI reminds the MCCI that the business community of Nagaland is fully behind its fight and assertion in letter and spirit and therefore should ensure that such diktats should not be allowed to hamper the business ecosystem of the district,” the confederation added.

Also read: Nagaland Congress hits out at government over ‘Constitution Day’ celebration