Nagaland
State-wide business closure on September 16
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 13 (EMN): Standing in solidarity with the call of the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to down shutters in protest against multiple taxation by Naga political groups (NPGs) and government agencies, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Monday informed that it will impose state-wide business closure on September 16.
The CNCCI informed this through a press release, days after the DCCI announced total shutdown of all shops and business establishments in Dimapur on September 16 to protest the government’s inaction on multiple illegal taxation imposed by various groups and government agencies.
The confederation went on to state that the move was also initiated for non response to its representation submitted to the chief secretary on the following charter of demands:
- To immediately resolve multiple taxation by NPGs.
- Removal of all forms of tax/fees collected by civic bodies on items that comes under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime which has subsumed all taxes under ‘One Nation One Tax’.
- Immediate implementation of Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (Sarfaesi) Act.
- ‘Reserve Nominee Representation’ to Municipal, Town and Ad-hoc town council from business and trade bodies.
The CNCCI warned that it would “step-up our agitation” if the state government doesn’t respond even after one-day business closure and sought for public support.
One-day shutdown to be peaceful
The president of DCCI, Akashe K Zhimomi, informed Eastern Mirror on Monday that the total closure of business establishments will be now be enforced under the banner of CNCCI in all the 12 districts of the state “for the welfare of the citizens”.
He informed that many organisations had come forward to openly support the protest against unabated taxation.
Even after GST was implemented by the government of India, he said multiple taxes on GST goods have been continuing.
Meanwhile, Zhimomi informed that the state-wide protest will be “peaceful”.
“It’s a peaceful bandh; we are not going to harass anybody,” he said, adding, “We will only see that every shop is closed down.”
He also informed that movement of vehicles will be allowed except transportation of goods in Dimapur.
Sources from other districts also informed this newspaper that meetings have been held to implement one-day closure of business establishments in their respective jurisdictions.
It may be mentioned that the DCCI had recently announced total shutdown of shops in Dimapur to protest multiple taxation by various groups as well as various taxes and fees collected by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) at check gates collected on GST items.
It also sought the sought the support of the CNCCI and all its district chambers, in the protest against the common issue.
NCD backs DCCI
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has backed the DCCI on its call for total closure of shops and business establishments in Dimapur on September 16 to protest rampant illegal taxation by various groups.
“This menace of illegal taxation prevailing in the state is creating fear and resentment amongst the business community and the public. Thus, violating the fundamental rights of the people to live with dignity, to live without fear, freedom to profess any profession and the right to equality and equal protection of law guaranteed by the constitution,” it stated.
Maintaining that the business community and consumers had to bear the brunt of illegal taxation, the NCD urged the general public to speak up for change.