Members of the CNCCI addressing a press conference in
Dimapur on Tuesday. (EM Images)
DIMAPUR — The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Tuesday announced an indefinite voluntary
business shutdown across nine districts of Nagaland starting May 19.
The announcement was made during a press conference
following the induction of the new CNCCI executive council, where Dr. Khekugha
Muru was re-elected as chairman for 2025–2030 tenure, here at Hotel Saramati.
On the issue of nominee representation from the business
community in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Muru said that there has been some
communication gap on the demands put forth by the nine district chambers to the
Government of Nagaland.
He pointed out that over the past four years, they have sent
multiple representations to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief
Secretary and the Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, clearly
stating that nominee representation from the nine district chambers in the ULBs
is a non-negotiable demand.
And while Kohima and Mokokchung were allowed nominees, major
districts like Dimapur, a key commercial hub, was left out. He argued that it
is unfair of the part of the government to single out just two districts when
others were excluded.
Also view:
Therefore, they have decided to call for democratic
indefinite voluntary business shutter down in the nine districts, including
Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Zunheboto, Meluri, Phek, Wokha, Peren, and
Tseminyu, from May 19, the CNCCI president said.
Citing that even the Rajya Sabha has nominated members from
business and economic backgrounds, Muru went on to state that given their
significant contributions to urban areas through trade licenses and sanitation
fees, the business communities should also have representation in Urban Local
Bodies to meaningfully participate in community development.
India's economy being based on open competition as mandated
by the Constitution, CNCCI advocates for a competitive and transparent market,
he said.
Additionally, he argued that business representation in ULBs
can help address regulatory inconsistencies, syndicate practices, and
unauthorised levies beyond GST and municipal mandates.
Further, Muru disclosed that the CNCCI had initially
requested business community representation in every town council, but the
government suggested limiting it to districts in the first phase, which they
agreed to.
However, after the ULB elections, only Mokokchung and Kohima
were accommodated, leaving out nine other districts.
This unequal treatment has sparked resentment and so they
had urged the government to apply uniform standards across all districts, he
said.
He clarified that the shutter-down is not anti-government
but a protest to exercise their democratic rights. During the shutdown,
essential services like healthcare, fuel, and education will remain unaffected,
Muru added.
Besides Muru, the newly-elected CNCCI executives include Dr.
Seyievilie Mor, Jabou Sekhose and Dorothy Chang (vice chairpersons), Avi Chase (general
secretary), Tsalichum S Sangtam and Kekhrieletuo Kelio (secretaries), Omega
Yepthomi (grievances tribunal convenor), S Abenthung Ngullie, Tocky Zhimo and
Chiloising Michoi (joint secretaries),and Kevin Yepthomi (treasurer).
