Dimapur DC says no state order backs NSCN/FRGN business shutdown diktats as municipal councils defend their authority to regulate trading hours
DIMAPUR — Dimapur district administration has asserted that it will abide by directives issued by Nagaland government, clarifying that the state has issued no order on the NSCN/FRGN directive calling for Sunday shop closures and the permanent shutdown of non-local business establishments within 30 days.
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, said on Tuesday that the administration would not act on directives issued by organisations, societies or business associations, and would follow only instructions issued by the state government.
Chang acknowledged that several political groups were operating in Nagaland and working towards a solution, but no final settlement had been reached.
Until then, the administration would adhere to the state government’s directives, he said.
The DC was responding to questions about the NSCN/FRGN order, which has drawn objections from trade and civic organisations over its proposed restrictions on business operations.
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He said the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC), being elected bodies, had powers under the Municipal Act to regulate business establishments and market opening hours within their respective jurisdictions. The councils had issued their own directives on the matter, he added.
Asked whether the administration had received complaints from local or non-local business owners over the proposed restrictions, Chang said no grievances had been received so far. However, the DMC chairperson had met the administration and expressed the council’s intention to submit a representation.
Chang said the administration would examine the representation once received and take up the concerns with the state government.
On law and order preparedness, the DC said the administration and police had been responding to information circulating in the media. He added that the matter had been discussed with the commissioner of police on Monday, with steps taken to strengthen security in public spaces and marketplaces.
Police and security personnel had been alerted, and deployment strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents, he said, adding that adequate manpower was available to maintain law and order.
Chang urged business owners and members of the public who faced threats or extortion to report the matter to the nearest police station or the district administration. He said people sometimes hesitated to share information due to apprehensions, but authorities could not act against alleged offenders on the basis of rumours alone without concrete information.
Meanwhile, EDTC chairperson Niuto Awomi asserted that the town council was authorised by the government and elected by the public to regulate affairs within its jurisdiction, including business operations.
Awomi said the council had issued trade licences to establishments operating in East Dimapur and that no other organisation had the authority to force them to shut down. Any violation of the council’s rules would be dealt with in accordance with the applicable regulations, he said.
He reminded that the EDTC had decided to allow shops to open on Sundays after church services. Hotels, eateries, pharmacies, petrol pumps, street-food vendors and other establishments could also operate after services, in the interest of public convenience.
Awomi said businesses remained free to close voluntarily on Sundays, but urged shop owners to report unlawful demands or disturbances to the council. The EDTC would investigate complaints and coordinate with law-enforcement agencies where necessary, he added.
DMC chairperson Hukheto Yepthomi said the council had issued an order on October 14 permitting shops to open on Sundays after church services.
On the proposed closure of non-local businesses, Yepthomi said the directive was not applicable and stressed the need for people from different backgrounds to live together in harmony. Describing Dimapur as a “mini-India”, he said people from diverse communities had contributed to the town’s growth and that the council opposed any forced closure of their businesses.