Turning a deaf ear

It is not for the first time that there has been either a shutter-down strike by trade and business or public bandh in Dimapur in protest against threats or physical assault not only on business but individuals by various elements who continue to dire threats involving rampant and unabated illegal taxation. Protest rallies, bandhs and shutter down strikes during the past few decades against rampant and unabated and even multiple taxation in Dimapur reveal the extreme helplessness of the public and apathy or lack of political will of the government. In the latest, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry(DCCI) on March 4,2024 warned that it would be compelled to go for a shutter down strike throughout Dimapur city against illegal and multiple taxations and summons issued on members of trade and business if the government failed to stop these menaces. Since there was no response from the government on public domain, eventually on April 23, DCCI announced the indefinite shutter down strike with effect from April 26. It may be recalled that since 2010 various CSOs have been crying hoarse against unauthorised/illegal taxations imposed by all and sundry.

Any government claiming to be representative of the people and mandated to effect governance would have taken serious note of the cries of protests. However, the state government’s policy of equi-closeness, aimed at fostering unity to resolve the Naga political issue, inadvertently contributes to a passive resistance against addressing activities detrimental to social peace and harmony. By not strictly enforcing the rule of law under the pretext of political settlement the leniency shown, particularly rampant extortion, ended up creating an unhealthy environment that deters investments in Dimapur. Consequently, the city’s reputation has become synonymous with lawlessness with multiple parallel authorities imposing their writ.

The DCCI has been making a fervent appeal to the government on the urgent need for decisive action to curb illegal activities while distinguishing between support for Naga political groups and condemnation of unwholesome activities. As a consequence, prices of every item in the market have seen a meteoric rise as these artificial price hikes are eventually passed on to the customers. Also due to threats, summons and assaults, many business firms have left Dimapur and more are contemplating to follow suit.

Indeed, it’s imperative for the Naga people to reassess the political issue from a broader perspective, especially considering the signing of two significant agreements involving key stakeholders. The delay in reaching a peaceful solution is regrettable and more so the proliferation of factions, from four in 1997 to an alarming 24 and counting. Rampant factionalism, often devoid of genuine ideological differences, reflect narrow ambitions disguised as part of the Naga political issue. Such fragmentation not only undermines the unity of purpose but also provides a pretext for justifying various offenses under the guise of pursuing political objectives. Not only does this situation jeopardize the city’s economic vitality, but it also poses a significant obstacle to the overarching goal of restoring confidence in the government to create a conducive environment for economic progress. Therefore, it is imperative for the state government to prioritize restoring law and order in Dimapur, thereby creating an atmosphere conducive to business and peace. The government may be sympathetic towards the political issue but it cannot remain apathetic to the cries of its people against such actions for over two decades.