Joint Council Forum seeks clarity from DMC on Sunday business operations, urging uniform implementation while protecting employee welfare and worship.
DIMAPUR — The Joint Council Forum (JCF), comprising Middle Point Council, Churches Colony Council, NST Colony Council, Nyamo Lotha Colony Council and Khermahal Area Council, has sought clarification from the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) on whether its recent directive permitting Sunday business operations after 12 noon applies to all categories of establishments or only to specific businesses.
In a press statement, the JCF said it would appreciate clarification on whether the permission extended to all businesses or remained restricted to establishments previously permitted to operate on Sundays, including medical stores, fuel stations, eateries, hotels, bakeries and businesses dealing in perishable goods.
The forum reiterated its longstanding position that business establishments within its jurisdictions should open only after 12 noon on Sundays, stating that the practice was intended to provide employees with half a day of rest and allow local employees to attend church services.
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“This longstanding stand is intended to provide employees with a half-day of rest and an opportunity for local employees to attend church services, while respecting the religious sentiments and Christian faith of the Naga populace,” the JCF stated.
The forum maintained that the practice offered a reasonable balance between business activities, employee welfare and the observance of Sunday as a day of worship and rest.
Acknowledging that several councils had previously expressed reservations about unrestricted Sunday business operations across all categories of establishments, the JCF said a clear clarification from the DMC would help ensure a common understanding among business owners, councils and the public.
It added that such clarification would also facilitate the transparent and uniform implementation of the directive.
The JCF expressed hope that the DMC would give due consideration to its concerns and provide the necessary clarification.