CNCCI urges Nagaland Government to review vehicle identifier ban and hold wider stakeholder consultations.
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DIMAPUR — The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has expressed concern over the Nagaland Government's recent notification prohibiting the display of religion-based, NGO-based and other unauthorised slogans, signages, stickers and identifiers on private and public vehicles, while also questioning the lack of clarity regarding its applicability to commercial vehicles.
In a press release, the chamber stated that while it was not opposed to the regulation of vehicle markings in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, it was constrained to question the urgency and broad scope of the notification, particularly in view of Nagaland's unique socio-political and security environment.
The CNCCI noted that the provisions cited in the notification have existed for several years, but enforcement in other parts of India has generally been selective and issue-specific.
According to the trade body, actions in states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have largely targeted unauthorised VIP markings, caste-based slogans, political displays, misuse of government insignia and modified number plates, rather than religious, church, NGO or community-based identifiers.
It maintained that it was unaware of any nationwide uniform implementation prohibiting all religious, church, NGO and community identifiers on vehicles, and questioned why the Nagaland Government had adopted what it described as a broader interpretation without adequate public consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Highlighting the state's distinct circumstances, the CNCCI pointed to the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue and the continued application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of the region.
It stated that vehicle identifiers associated with churches, tribal bodies, NGOs and community organisations have historically served as markers of identity, trust and public service.
Such identifiers, the chamber said, have often facilitated recognition during emergencies, humanitarian activities, law-and-order situations and other challenging circumstances, assisting both government agencies and law-enforcement authorities.
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Expressing concern over what it termed a blanket prohibition, the CNCCI said the notification failed to adequately consider the practical role these identifiers have played in Nagaland over the years.
It also raised concerns regarding vehicles entering or transiting through Nagaland from other states. It noted that many such vehicles carry religious symbols, institutional logos, charitable organisation markings and community identifiers, but the notification does not clearly state whether they would be exempt from enforcement measures.
According to CNCCI, the lack of clarity could create uncertainty for tourists, transporters, traders and other visitors to the state.
The chamber further asserted that policies with far-reaching social implications should be preceded by extensive consultations involving tribal hohos, church organisations, civil society groups, transport associations, business bodies and other stakeholders.
Such engagement, it said, would help address concerns relating to public safety, cultural identity, community recognition and administrative practicality.
In view of these concerns, CNCCI urged the Nagaland Government to keep the implementation of the notification in abeyance and undertake a broader consultative process before introducing enforcement measures.
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, responsible governance and public order, the CNCCI maintained that regulations affecting long-standing social and community practices should be implemented through dialogue, consultation and consensus, with due consideration for Nagaland's historical, socio-political and security realities.