CNCCI backs DCCI over Prysm Lounge case, demands stricter NLTP enforcement, illegal liquor crackdown, and accountability from stakeholders
DIMAPUR — As the Prysm Lounge vandalism case fuels debate over alleged coercive donations, prohibition enforcement and the role of civil society organisations, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Monday threw its weight behind the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) while demanding tougher action against violators of the NLTP Act.
In a statement issued on Monday, the CNCCI commended the DCCI for what it described as its proactive role in protecting the interests of the business community and lauded the chamber's Grievance Cell for promptly intervening to assess the incident involving the NSF finance secretary at Prysm Lounge in Dimapur.
The business body condemned the alleged vandalism, stating that no organisation or individual should take the law into their own hands. “It is the duty of law-enforcing agencies to deal with such matters, even if those student leaders had any grievances with the Prysm establishment,” the statement read.
The CNCCI also expressed concern over the Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) reportedly describing the DCCI's intervention as that of a “third party.”
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It maintained that the controversy was a business-related issue within Dimapur district and therefore squarely fell within the DCCI's legitimate mandate as the representative body of the business community. The description, it stated, reflected a misunderstanding of the role played by recognised civil society organisations in protecting the interests of their stakeholders.
Referring to a recent meeting resolution, the CNCCI questioned how more than 30 restaurants, bars, pubs and lounges allegedly continue to operate despite the provisions of the NLTP Act.
The continued functioning of such establishments, despite allegations of liquor being sold and served, pointed to serious lapses in enforcement of the prohibition law, it stated, demanding their immediate closure.
It further stated that if the Dimapur Restaurant Union (DRU) is a government-registered body found to be representing or facilitating establishments operating in violation of the NLTP Act, the competent authority should review its registration and, if warranted under the law, cancel it.
The CNCCI also urged the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), which it described as an organisation held in high esteem by the Naga public, to explain what institutional safeguards it would introduce to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It further called on the state government to clearly spell out its position on the NLTP Act. "After more than three decades, it is time to either enforce the Act in letter and spirit or initiate appropriate legal reforms. Continued ambiguity and selective enforcement undermine both the rule of law and public confidence," the statement added.