Phek businesses announce half-day shutdown on August 14

DIMAPUR — The Phek District Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PDCCI) will observe a half-day shutter-down of all business establishments across Phek district until 12 noon on August 14.

The PDCCI described the action as “a mark of deep respect and solidarity with our freedom fighters - those who gave their sweat, tears, and lives for the dream of a free Nagaland.”

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the PDCCI said that the day—which marks Naga Independence Day— should not only commemorate “our proud history” but also serve as a moment to reflect on “the present and the future we are building.”

It expressed concern that the unity which once defined the Naga movement has been fractured over time, with “multiple political groups claiming to represent the Naga cause.” weakening the collective voice and delaying resolution of the political issue.

Also read: Nsong Students’ Union issues final call to Nagaland School Education department after years of ‘complete negligence’

“These divisions have weakened our collective voice, prolonged the resolution of the Naga political issue, and placed unnecessary economic burdens on businesses and the public through overlapping taxation and resulting price hikes in goods and commodities,” read the press release.

The PDCCI appealed to Naga political groups to “unite as one body to represent the Naga people with a single, strong, and transparent voice,” work towards “a reliable, approachable, and practical political solution acceptable to all Nagas,” end “multiple and overlapping taxation,” and place “peace, unity, and economic stability above all factional or organisational gains.”

Calling on every national worker to “choose reconciliation over division,” the PDCCI urged every citizen, tribal body, church, and civil society organisation to join in the call for “One voice, one solution, one future for the Naga people.”

In a separate statement, the Pfutsero Town Business Association (PTBA) declared that it will join the PDCCI’s call and observe the half-day shutdown in Pfutsero town.

Read more: Reservation Row: 5 Nagaland tribes to abstain from government events, including Independence Day

The PTBA noted that the Naga movement had splintered into nearly 30 factions over the decades, adding that this “prolonged division” as created “an environment of economic strain, social confusion, and public frustration.”

 “Unity was the foundation of the Naga struggle, and unity remains the only path to a meaningful solution,” said Vekusu Chuzho, Vice President of PDCCI and President of PTBA, adding that the current divisions are costing the Naga people politically, socially, and economically.

The PTBA said that multiple taxation from various political groups is discouraging investment and entrepreneurship, particularly in a state with high youth unemployment.

“We must look beyond the past and embrace progress, modernisation, and openness to big investors and corporates who can generate employment and career growth for our people,” said Truvi Rhi, joint secretary, PDCCI and general secretary, PTBA. He added that the youth were “closely observing” the political process and aspired for opportunities in growth, innovation, and employment.

The PTBA urged political groups to “reconcile, unite, and work towards a practical, achievable, honest, and transparent solution for the entire Naga family,” and appealed to civil society, tribal bodies, church leaders and youth groups to support the united stand.