Cites ‘state govt’s written assurance’ for nominees in ULBs
Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Monday called off its indefinite voluntary shutter down protest that was being observed across nine districts– Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Zunheboto, Meluri, Phek, Wokha, Peren, and Tseminyu.
Announcing the decision at a press conference held at Hotel Saramati, CNCCI chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru claimed that the protest was withdrawn after the state government gave a written assurance concerning CNCCI’s demand– inclusion of District Chambers of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) representatives in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). He claimed the government had committed to resolving the matter at the earliest either through a Cabinet decision or during the upcoming session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
However, he declined to disclose the details of the government’s assurance, citing a request from the authorities to maintain confidentiality. Muru also informed that the decision to end the protest was made in consultation with the nine participating DCCI units and CNCCI members. He expressed appreciation for various government departments that maintained communication with them during the first day of the shutdown.
According to Muru, inclusion of DCCI members in ULBs would not only benefit the business community but also strengthen governance and the functioning of local bodies. He thanked the public, consumers, civil society organisations, NGOs, and the business community for their overwhelming support, while also apologising for any inconvenience caused.
He clarified that the protest was never intended to inconvenience the general public.
Muru claimed that the shutter down witnessed nearly 100% compliance across all nine districts, describing it as a display of unity and collective will of the business community. He lauded the participating DCCIs for their bold stance and solidarity.
Asked about future action if the government failed to honour its assurance, Muru said CNCCI would consider all options—including legal steps and further agitation—but hoped that such measures would not be necessary. He also warned that if the issue remains unresolved, all 17 DCCIs across Nagaland would join in the next phase of the agitation including shutter down.
Muru said the protest sent a strong message to the government, which he accused of long ignoring the voice of the business community. He insisted that DCCIs participation in ULBs was a just and reasonable demand, pointing out that such representation exists in other states.
It may be mentioned that Dimapur Municipal Council, Chümoukedima Town Council, Zunheboto Town Council and Wokha Town Council among others on Monday issued directives to all shops and business establishments under their respective jurisdictions to remain open and conduct normal operations for the convenience of the general public.
Despite confusion over directives by both DMC and the trade body, by afternoon some shopkeepers began to open their shutters. There were also reports of some volunteers in Dimapur forcefully asking shopkeepers to down their shutters during the course of the protest.
Reacting to the reports of forceful enforcement of the shutdown in parts of Dimapur, CNCCI treasurer Kevin Yepthomi clarified that no volunteers were deployed for enforcement. “The business community voluntarily participated in the shutter down, understanding the cause,” he said.
He, however, questioned the conduct of certain Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councillors who allegedly forced shopkeepers to reopen. On the DMC’s press note against the protest, Kevin said CNCCI bore no resentment, stating DMC was simply carrying out its responsibilities as part of the government machinery. On shops that remained open in East Dimapur, Kevin clarified that the area falls outside DMC jurisdiction.