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DIMAPUR — The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has expressed solidarity with the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), stating that the current situation in Dimapur and Nagaland as a whole necessitates significant action and deemed the measures undertaken by the DCCI as necessary and commendable.
Stating that Mokokchung underwent a similar situation in the 1990s and early 2000s when “Naga political groups took Mokokchung for ransom," it said that the people eventually said enough is enough and took matters into their own hands.
Consequently, MCCI claimed, Mokokchung is now relatively the most peaceful town in Nagaland and is the least affected by the menace of extortion by Naga political groups in the name of the Naga national movement.
“We feel the pain endured by Dimapur and we support the actions taken by the DCCI,” it said, adding that the Naga political groups must cease and desist from their illegal activities or face the wrath of the people.
Furthermore, the assertion was made that the government of Nagaland should prioritise restoring law and order, with the peace and security of the people being its foremost concern. It was emphasised that by failing to quell the activities of anti-social elements, the state government is perceived as aiding and abetting them.
Noting that while Dimapur is supposed to be the "commercial hub" of Nagaland, it has become a city of renegades. MCCI mentioned that there is not a single commercial vehicle operating between the so-called "commercial hub" and Mokokchung, except for some passenger vehicles.
“It also defies economic laws when most commodities are costlier in Dimapur than in Mokokchung. The root cause of this economic anomaly is the unabated extortion by the innumerable underground groups,” it said.
It appealed to the common people of Dimapur to stand with the DCCI, stating that their decisive action today will reshape Nagaland's socio-economic growth and that if Dimapur prospers, the prosperity of the rest of Nagaland will follow suit.
Furthermore, the MCCI stated its readiness to collaborate with the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) and participate in the proposed statewide indefinite shutter down protest if the government fails to address the demands of the DCCI.
Western Sumi Hoho: The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), along with its frontal organisations, has expressed full support for the DCCI's decision to implement an indefinite shutdown starting on April 26.
In a press release, the WSH stated that the delay in resolving the Naga political issue is perceived as the root cause of all the social issues in the state. It urged the central government, state government, and all Naga political groups to prioritise finding a permanent solution that reflects the aspirations of the Naga people.
“Further delays could reduce the Naga political issue to a mere law and order problem, disregarding the Naga people's desire for a dignified resolution,” it read.
The WSH emphasised the urgency of resolving the Naga political issue to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. It called upon all stakeholders to work towards finding a permanent solution at the earliest and appealed to them to expedite the process and address the legitimate grievances of the people.
Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union: The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has expressed its support and solidarity for the indefinite shutter down called by the DCCI.
In a press release, the NTTU said that since the past many decades, the menace of illegal and multiple taxation by the different Naga political groups has been a scourge to the business community, other traders and Naga entrepreneurs.
The union also maintained that the timber traders and tree farmers in Nagaland have also always been at the receiving end of unscrupulous elements who are all out to snatch the hard-earned labour of timber traders and tree farmers.
“Over the years, many Nagas engaged in small-time business and trades for their sustenance and to feed their families have totally given up out of frustration because of no end to taxation,” it said.
It termed the DCCI’s move a wake-up call to every citizen of Nagaland on how long they can tolerate such illegal and blatant activities under the very nose of the government and its law-enforcing agencies.
“The government of the day must take decisive action to totally eradicate the menace of illegal multiple taxation.
“Also, once caught, the law-enforcing agencies must not show any leniency but book the perpetrators as per the relevant sections of the law of the land,” the union added.
Organisations join in the shutdown
Multiple organisations have joined the indefinite shutdown called by DCCI and have imposed various restrictions.
CSC VLE Society: In solidarity with the DCCI's call for the indefinite shutdown, the Common Service Centre (CSC) Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLE) Society of Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima has declared a one-day shutdown on April 26 from 6 am to 6 pm in Niuland and Chümoukedima.
According to a press release, CSC Dimapur will collaborate with DCCI in the indefinite shutdown for Dimapur district until further notice is issued by DCCI.
The decision was made after careful consideration and extensive discussions with the relevant authorities to demonstrate solidarity and support for DCCI's efforts.
Further, the society urged all village-level entrepreneurs in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland to comply with the decisions, emphasising that non-compliance will absolve the society or any affiliated office of responsibility for any ensuing consequences.
All Nagaland Private Bus Association: The All Nagaland Private Bus Association (ANPBA) has also resolved to join the shutdown called by DCCI starting April 26.
In a press release, it stated that all travel agencies facilitating inter-state and inter-district transportation, including buses, Tata Winger, and other heavy and medium passenger vehicle ticketing agencies, will remain closed during the DCCI-called shutdown.
However, it specified that local buses plying within the district are exempted from the shutdown, as they are essential for transporting schoolchildren and office goers and cannot be restricted.
ANPBA expressed hope and prayer that the situation would not deteriorate further, urging various Naga political groups to comprehend the grievances faced by business establishments and respond positively to alleviate the burden for the betterment of the state and its citizens.