Indefinite shutter downs called by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) has been called off, thus ending days of suspense as the government did not directly respond to the 5-point charter of demands by DCCI.
Addressing media at Hotel Saramati Monday, DCCI president Akashe Zhimomi said the statewide shutter down strike was called off after positive response from the state government regarding their five-point charter of demands.
He expressed gratitude for the government’s swift action led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and also extended appreciation to civil society organizations (CSOs) and the public for their support.
Zhimomi clarified that the shutter down was a protest against multiple taxation and harassment faced by the business community, not targeted at any specific organization or individual. He emphasized the success of the protest in highlighting the challenges posed by excessive taxation on traders.
DCCI vice-president V Shikuto Sema emphasized the importance of monitoring the government’s future actions regarding taxation policies and pledged continued vigilance despite not all demands being fully met.
Responding to queries regarding extortion by certain groups, Zhimomi urged the police to apprehend those involved in illegal collection and ban any union engaged in such activities.
He reassured public of measures to ensure fairness in pricing and urged traders to adhere to maximum retail price (MRP) regulations as decided by authorities.
On the issue of multiple taxes on single products, Shikuto clarified that taxes were not collected from shops directly.
He defended traders from blame for not reporting taxation issues to the police, citing concerns for individual safety and family.
Zhimomi emphasized that the DCCI’s stance was against the collection of multiple taxes on a single product, not against any specific faction. He cited instances of products being taxed multiple times and affirmed the low number of abduction cases due to close coordination with district administration and police.
Looking ahead, Shikuto highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and monitoring of government actions to ensure the fulfilment of assurances.
Meanwhile, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) president Etsungmomo Kikon commended the state government’s swift response and emphasized the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in addressing the concerns raised by the DCCI.
- Nagaland Post