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DIMAPUR — Anticipating the indefinite ‘shutter down’ of businesses in Dimapur starting today, residents rushed to markets on Thursday, creating a flurry of activity as they stocked up on essential goods and household supplies.
The call for ‘shutter down’ was made by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to protest the unabated multiple taxation, intimidation and harassment against the business community by various Naga political groups (NPGs).
With the Nagaland Medicine Dealers’ Association (NMDA) directing all the medical shops in and around Dimapur and Chümoukedima to remain closed on April 26, pharmacies also experienced a surge in customers and long queues.
Vehicles were also seen lining up at petrol-pumps as drivers rushed to fill their tanks, fearing scarcity.
Over the week, the DCCI has received support from various quarters, with several organisations highlighting that other districts are also facing the brunt of multiple taxation by several factions.
Earlier in the week, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association also announced that shutter-down agitation would be imposed in their respective districts on Friday in solidarity with the DCCI.
On Thursday, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) reiterated its support for the indefinite shutter down, terming it as a ‘totally justified’ call.
Stating that multiple taxation by multiple groups, uncountable fines, and harassment meted out to the business community cannot be tolerated any further, it said that the matter is being closely monitored.
“If the DCCI grievances are not addressed by the government at the appropriate time the CNCCI will step up the agitation and go for an indefinite whole Nagaland Shutter down starting April 27,” it said in a statement issued on Thursday.
It may be noted that the state cabinet will be meeting on Friday to discuss the issues raised by the DCCI.
One day shutter down in Medzhiphema, Wokha
Meanwhile, the Medziphema Town Chamber of Commerce has directed all shops and business establishments under Medziphema to remain closed on Friday, and urged the public to support the common cause.
Similarly, the Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCCI) has called for a 12-hour shut down from 6 am to 6 pm across Wokha district.
The WDCCI, while appreciating the ‘bold step’ of the DCCI, affirmed its cooperation towards addressing any issue that impedes the business community at large.
What will remain open
- Schools, colleges, government offices, hospitals, banks, ATMs, movement of public and private vehicles
What will remain shut
- Business establishments including shops, markets, restaurants, petrol-pumps, pharmacies, common service centres (CSC), and inter-district, interstate transportation including buses, Tata Winger, other heavy and medium passenger vehicles, and their ticketing agencies.