Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Dec. 15: The Tuensang Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TCCI) decided to close shops and business establishments from 10 am on Dec. 14 last to protest what it stated was demand notices and donation ‘requests’ from various Naga armed groups.
According to a statement from the traders’ body on Saturday, they were forced to ‘resort to such an act due to constant harassment with ultimatums and threats to shops and business establishments’ from the Naga armed groups.
While talking to Eastern Mirror, the president of TCCI, L Dorothy Chang, informed that the closure of the establishments was initiated to make the public aware about the issue. “It had a very big impact, now everyone is very much alert on this issue,” she said.
Chang said that one of the groups forwarded a letter, which was reported to be very ‘unpalatable.’ This forced them to initiate the ban, thinking it is ‘high time we make a move’ as it is ‘public money’ which they are demanding. She added that they usually deal with them in a better way if the groups come ‘in a good way.’
She said that the closure was meant to be indefinite unless and until ‘any apex tribal leaders’ or the administration concerned come forward to settle the problem.
Chang said that the district administration had assured to take care of the business community by providing security.
Chang said that the TCCI would have another meeting with the apex tribe councils and organisation on Dec. 17 about the issue.
