EMN
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 14
THE Naga Business Owners Association Dimapur District (NBOADD) has now become Business Association of Nagas (BAN). The decision to change the nomenclature was taken at the general council meeting of the association at Anaki complex, Khermal, Dimapur, on Saturday. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Thungbemo Murray.
Reverand Dr. Shiwoto Sumi, who said the invocation prayer, said the formation of BAN was a welcome step and need of the hour for Nagas to steer towards economic growth and prosperity.
Dr Aotoshi, advisor of BAN, speaking on the significance of BAN, highlighted that Asean countries were eager to do business with India, particularly with the NE states. He said with the government of India pursuing the Look East Policy aggressively Nagaland seems to be missing the boat. While airports in Manipur and Tripura have been upgraded to international level, Nagaland barely has one flight after jet airways withdrew, he said. Aotoshi added that due to constant bandhs and taxation in Nagaland, Manipur has started building 4-lane road bypassing Nagaland and therefore the State is becoming economically isolated.
DCCI president Hokivi Chishi lauded the efforts of the members in formation of BAN and said its time for Naga business owners to unite and not be depended on government for livelihood.
Other who spoke on the occasion were Zheito Chopy, a prominent businessman and Zubeno Mozhui, advisor BAN.
The constitution of BAN was presented by Joel Kath, member of the drafting committee. The house after lengthy deliberation unanimously adopted the constitution.
So far over 800 hundred Naga business owners have registered and further more are expected.
Over 300 business owners who attended the general meeting pledged their support, commitment and solidarity with BAN and further expressed unanimously that this was the need of the hour.
The vote of tanks was delivered by Khegoli Awomi and benediction by Abea Meru, according to a release issued by Mar Longkumer, Information and publicity secretary, BAN.
