Nagaland business community supports poultry union in fight against ‘syndicate system’

DIMAPUR — As the indefinite ban on the import of live chickens from Assam to Nagaland entered the second day, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DDCI) has extended support to the Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) in the “fight against the syndicate system”, saying that such unfair trade practices will “deprive the local poultry traders and farmers of their profit margin and ultimately, their very livelihood”.

The allegation made by the Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) about a syndicate system operating in the neighbouring state of Assam, with regard to import of live chickens into Nagaland is indeed alarming, said the DDCI.

“What is more shocking is that the syndicate system is being authorised by the Karbi Anglong district administration in the form of the Taxes department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council setting up a check gate at Khatkhati, to intercept vehicles transporting chickens to Nagaland on the pretext of license checking,” read the press release.

Asserting that there should not be any syndicate system in the state, be it poultry or any business for that matter, the DDCI said such practices “has for long stifled healthy competition in business, especially at the cost of local entrepreneurs and small time businessmen”.

“The total ban on import of live chickens is affecting almost every household in Nagaland. What about the restaurants, eateries and hotels?” it asked, while wondering why the state government and the Dimapur district administration have not come up with a concrete action and update the public on the issue.

“DCCI members along with members of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) also visited the inter-state check gate on August 11, to extend solidarity to the poultry union,” it stated.

The Poultry Union Dimapur had alleged that one Ranjit Teron operates the poultry wholesale business at Lahorijan daily bazaar and Khatkhati bazaar after obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the KAAC, and so only those who possess his permission can procure chicken.

Tiameren Aier, president of PUD, had told Eastern Mirror that syndicate charges INR 20 to INR 30 per kilogram of live chicken being transported into Nagaland, which would push the wholesale price of live chicken in Assam to approximately INR 180 per kg and around INR 220 in Dimapur.

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