The indefinite voluntary shutter down called by the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Monday evoked mixed reactions across Dimapur, with several businesses complying with the call, while others chose to remain open citing financial constraints and lack of clarity.
Many commercial establishments in the city centre remained shut, though several traders admitted they were unaware of the reasons behind the protest. “Other shops are closed so we are also closed.
If they open, we will also open,” said a shopkeeper in New Market. Another trader said he received instructions from CNCCI to down shutters but did not fully understand the demand prompting the agitation.
Business activity continued in parts of Dimapur including areas Khermahal, Duncan Basti, Midland, and Purana Bazaar etc., where several shops were open. Shopkeepers in these areas said they exercised their discretion as the shutdown was declared “voluntary”.
“The word ‘voluntary’ means we have the choice. We respect CNCCI, but this affects my family and workers who depend on daily sales,” said a local entrepreneur running an electronics shop.
A pattern was also observed where shops owned by non-Nagas largely remained closed, while those owned by locals were open. Some traders expressed concern over the economic impact of repeated shutdowns. “We are already struggling with inflation and low sales.
A shutter down like this just makes it harder,” said a trader along Tajen Ao Road.
Amid the call for voluntary compliance, allegations emerged that some shopkeepers were pressured by unidentified individuals not to open. Shop owners in Thahekhu Block 3, Sub-Jail area, and Duncan Basti claimed they were directed to shut down. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.
The shutdown also prompted a rush of Naga residents across the state border into Assam to purchase essentials. In Lahorijan and Khatkhati, Nagaland-registered vehicles crowded the market lanes. Vendors admitted to raising prices in anticipation. “It’s business. We know the Nagas are coming because of the shutter-down, so prices go up,” one vendor said.
In Dimapur’s New Market, a hub with over 1,200 shops including numerous women street vendors, the impact was more acute. Gaon Burah of New Market, Khekishe Aye, told Nagaland Post that the sudden closure affected daily trade and disrupted the economic flow in the area.
Elsewhere, District Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCIs) in Chümoukedima, Niuland, Zunheboto, Meluri, Phek, Wokha, Peren, and Tseminyu also observed the shutter down. These units later withdrew the protest following CNCCI’s decision to call off the agitation after receiving a government assurance by Monday evening.