Naga Council Dimapur consults with stakeholders on shutdown, ILP, and railway station

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  Leaders of Naga Council Dimapur during a press briefing on Friday.

• DIMAPUR — The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) held a consultative meeting on Friday with various civil society organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders at its conference hall to deliberate on several key issues, including the proposed indefinite shutdown called by the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP), and development of a world-class railway station in Dimapur.
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• The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation, GB Union (Sadar) Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Dimapur District GB Association, Business Association of Nagas, East Dimapur GB Association, East Dimapur Business Association, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and NCD members.

Also read: Naga Council Dimapur schedules consultative meeting on May 16

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• Speaking to the media after the meeting, NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon said that while the CNCCI’s proposed indefinite shutdown is based on valid concerns, it could severely impact consumers and the general public. He added that since CNCCI is meeting with government authorities in Kohima on the same day (May 16), the NCD will await the outcome of that meeting before deciding its next course of action.
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• He pointed out that while nominee representation in Urban Local Bodies was allowed in Kohima and Mokokchung, Dimapur was excluded, making CNCCI’s demand justified.
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• He also noted that during bandhs and shutdowns, many business owners close their shops out of fear and insecurity, not necessarily in support of the protest, causing unnecessary inconvenience to the public.
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• The NCD has previously passed resolutions stating that no shutdown, strike, or rally should be enforced in Dimapur without proper consultation and agreement among civil society organisations, especially the NCD, he said.
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• The CSOs present at the meeting agreed that while the CNCCI’s demands are genuine, alternative peaceful and democratic forms of protest would be more effective and less disruptive, he added.
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• On the issue of ILP implementation in Dimapur, the NCD expressed appreciation for the DNSU's efforts but noted that the Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) is already engaged in the matter. The CSOs decided to approach the JCPI to discuss a coordinated way forward.
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• Regarding the development of the Dimapur Railway Station, Kikon informed that a coordination meeting was held on January 29 involving railway authorities, the district administration, the Transport Department, and Dimapur-based CSOs.
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• It was unanimously decided that redevelopment work should commence by the first week of March, focusing first on land free from encumbrances. He added that railway engineers have already begun dismantling staff quarters in preparation for the project.