Indefinite business shutdown in 9 Nagaland districts from May 19

Published on May 13, 2025

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.

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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).