Total shutdown of shops, business establishments in Dimapur over illegal taxation

Dimapur, Sep. 11 (EMN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has announced total shutdown of all shops and business establishments in the commercial hub on September 16 to protest the government’s inaction on multiple illegal taxation imposed by various groups and government agencies.

Transportation of goods into the city will also be restricted during the total shutdown to protest various taxes and fees collected by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) at check gates collected on Goods and Services Tax (GST) items, stated DCCI in its press release.

The announcement came more than 10 days after the business body expressed anguish over the alarming increase in illegal taxation, adding that it would be forced to “take extreme measures including closure of all shops and business houses if the government turns a blind eye to the plight of the business community”.

Lamenting that the state government has not taken any concrete steps or given assurance to address the menace of multiple illegal taxation, the DCCI stated that the 1-day shutdown is the first phase of protest against the inaction of the state government and its machineries.

“DCCI will be compelled to resort to further and extreme courses of action if the government of the day fails to address the genuine plight of the business community,” it stated.

The business body sought support and solidarity from the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and all its district chambers, in the protest against the common issue. It also requested the citizens to lend their voice and co-operation, saying that multiple illegal taxations affect everyone.