Three trade and civic organisations oppose NSCN-FRGN business shutdown orders, urging Nagaland government to clarify authority and protect traders
DIMAPUR — Three more trade and civic organisations have opposed the NSCN-FRGN directives calling for Sunday shop closures and the shutdown of non-local businesses, urging the Nagaland government to clarify the authority behind the order and protect traders from intimidation.
The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association (CCC&TA) voiced their objections on Tuesday.
In a statement, the DUCCF asked the NSCN-FRGN to clarify the purpose and authority behind the directives, particularly the order targeting non-local businesses. It also urged the state government to investigate the matter and assure traders that they could operate lawfully without intimidation or discrimination.
A blanket closure order targeting businesses on the basis of community risked creating fear and division, the federation said. No organisation or group should take it upon itself to shut down lawful businesses or deprive people of their livelihoods, it added.
Also read: Naga Council Dimapur opposes NSCN/FRGN diktats on businesses
Questioning the proliferation of political groups in the state, the DUCCF asked whether 37 Naga political groups were not enough. It urged tribal hohos and other responsible Naga organisations to speak out against directives creating uncertainty among the public.
The DCCI expressed solidarity with Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), calling on the state government, district administration and law-enforcement agencies to clarify the legal status of the directives and take preventive measures to protect businesses.
Promoting Naga entrepreneurship should go hand in hand with fair competition, inclusivity and peaceful coexistence, it stated. Dimapur's commercial activity depended on entrepreneurs, traders and workers from diverse backgrounds, and measures that created insecurity could affect the wider economy.
The CCC&TA separately opposed the FRGN order calling for all shops to close on Sundays. Supporting the CNCCI's October 25 statement, the association described the order as arbitrary and contrary to constitutional governance, due process and freedom of trade.
While acknowledging the importance of Sunday worship, the association stated that individual choice and liberty should also be respected. It urged the state government and other stakeholders to ensure that essential travel, including for sick people, tourists and families, was not disrupted.
The three organisations called for business-related disputes to be addressed through lawful procedures, consultation and dialogue rather than coercion.
Supporting Naga entrepreneurs and protecting the lawful interests of other business communities were not mutually exclusive, they stated, urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint in the interests of peace and economic stability.