Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) Thursday asserted that the proposed shutdown was postponed for two weeks “in a gesture of goodwill and respect for the government’s request”.
However, in the absence of a fair and just resolution, the CNCCI said it was left with no option but to allow the nine aggrieved districts to proceed with the indefinite shutdown, as part of their democratic rights.
CNCCI through its media affairs assured the public that sufficient notice and information would be provided in advance. The confederation has sought everyone’s cooperation and understanding, saying its proposed shutdown was being undertaken “in the broader interest” of both the business sector and consumers across the state.
CNCCI expressed gratitude to the state chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues for deliberating on the genuine demand of the district chambers of commerce for representation in the district urban local bodies (ULBs).
It said inclusion of the matter in the cabinet agenda and its subsequent discussion reflected the government’s concern for the welfare of both the business community and consumers across the state.
However, CNCCI expressed deep concern and surprise over the Cabinet’s recent decision, which, it said “mirrors the proposal” put forth by the department of urban development & municipal affairs (UD&MA) during a meeting held on April 23, 2025.
It said that the proposal, which was presented in response to CNCCI’s call for a business shutdown across nine aggrieved districts scheduled for April 24, 2025, had been categorically rejected by the CNCCI.
“This raises serious concerns as to whether the longstanding and genuine demands of the district chambers were accurately and appropriately presented to the cabinet by the chief secretary and the concerned department,” the confederation maintained.
To provide clarity to both the public and the government, CNCCI reiterated that the demand for representation in ULBs was not new, adding it had been communicated consistently and through proper channels for the past four years.
On September 9, 2021, the CNCCI said it submitted a formal representation to the chief secretary, followed by a reminder to the commissioner secretary of UD&MA on November 9, 2021.
Additionally, on September 22, 2021, CNCCI said the then 12 district chambers submitted representations to the chief secretary through their respective deputy commissioners (DCs).
In 2024, CNCCI said its delegation met the chief secretary in his office to personally apprise him of the matter. During an informal interaction on the sidelines of a meeting at the chief minister’s residence, CNCCI said the chief secretary was again verbally reminded, to which he responded positively, assuring that the issue would be addressed after the ULB elections.
In accordance with the nomination procedure, CNCCI said all district chambers submitted their nomination papers through their respective DCs. However, CNCCI said that to its dismay, only the chambers from Mokokchung and Kohima were accommodated.
“While we remain grateful for their inclusion, this selective consideration has caused deep disappointment and a sense of marginalization among the nine other district chambers,” it asserted.
In response, the CNCCI said it had called for a peaceful, democratic, and indefinite voluntary business shutdown from April 25, 2025—to express the displeasure of the nine aggrieved district chambers.
Subsequently, it said the government invited the CNCCI for a meeting, during which its position was clearly reiterated. CNCCI maintained that cabinet’s decision was “likely to be based on the inputs” provided by the chief secretary and the concerned department. Therefore, it stressed that the matter—as it has evolved over the past four years—be presented to the cabinet truthfully and in its entirety.
The CNCCI has, therefore, urged the chief minister and the cabinet to re-examine this longstanding and legitimate demand. It also demanded that the chief secretary and the department of UD&MA to accurately and comprehensively brief the cabinet.
Meanwhile, CNCCI has called upon the public to understand that its demand was not motivated by personal or political ambitions, but aimed at safeguarding the interests of the business community and the consumers of the state.
CNCCI said that recent developments in market regulation following the formation of ULBs have already highlighted the critical need for such representation.
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