The decision was taken at a meeting on Friday attended by DCC, Nagaland Medicine Dealers\u2019 Association (NMDA), All Nagaland Private Bus Association, Narharbari Village Council, Business Community, Hardware Merchants\u2019 Association, Dimapur District Business Association, Footware Union, Goods Transport Union, Bakery Union etc, at the office of HMA. The unions resolved to extend support to DCC for any course of action to be taken against extortion, kidnapping of businessmen in Dimapur.
According to DCC, the kidnapping of Hariram was the eighth kidnapping case during October – November. Briefing media persons at Breeze Restaurant Dimapur, DCC president Kasheto Yepthomi said even if the businessman was released, the apex bodies would go ahead with the bandh and silent protest. He said that the business community would stick with its proposed bandh and strike unless a concrete action was taken by the district administration.
Voicing concern over the prevailing situation, Kasheto said when even a prominent businessman could fall prey to kidnappers, then other businessmen were not at all safe. He was apprehensive that many businessmen would leave Dimapur if the present trend continued.
Asked about the steps taken to convince businessmen to carry on with business and not to leave Dimapur, Business Community president, Basu Damani said imposing a ban against strike was the first step that the DCC, NMDA and business associations had taken. He said all apex bodies in Dimapur have assured total support for the closure.
NMDA president Ato Yepthomi said all shops including vendors and pharmacies would remain closed except Metro Hospital at Circular Road and the pharmacy at District Hospital.
However, taking into account the ongoing examination conducted by some schools, the movement of vehicles and public have been exempted form the purview of the bandh.
All shopkeepers would go on silent protest on Monday at 10 am starting from Delux point to DC court and thereafter submit a memorandum to the deputy commissioner.
In this connection, DCC informed all business community, NGOs, DNSU, Naga Council to participate in the procession. After the procession, the business community would also submit a memorandum to governor, chief minister, DGP, Joint Working Group and FNR.
A five-member team has been nominated to carry out the meeting with the chief minister on Monday after the procession. The members included NMDA president Ato Yepthomi, DCC president Kasheto Yepthomi, BC president Basu Damani, HMA president K. Denis and DMC adviser Mahesh Agarwal.
Authorities remain clueless
Authorities remained clueless with regard to the fate of a kidnapped non-local businessman (identified as one Hariram Gupta dealer of cement, MS Roads etc) picked up near Walford area, Dimapur on Thursday evening.
Official sources opined that it could be the handiwork of an underground group from outside the state.
Sources also said that the relatives of the victim have not lodged any complaint so far and also not forthcoming with information.
There were speculations Friday that Gupta was released but there has been no official confirmation at the time of filing this report.
It may be recalled that four armed men in a Maruti car intercepted the vehicle of the businessman and abducted him near Walford area, Thursday evening.
Condemnations
A host of organizations have condemned the kidnapping of Hariram Gupta on November 25 by unknown miscreants.
Condemning the incident, the Hardware Merchants\u2019 Association (HMA) urged the abductors for safe and immediate release of its advisor.
The HMA in a statement said a meeting was convened Friday where members of the business community of Dimapur said they could no longer keep quite and let the miscreants take advantage of them. Some businessmen pointed out that it was a total failure of law and order and that occurrence of such incidents in the society was a concern of all.
Stating that they do not get enough support from other organizations, the business community urged all peace loving citizens and NGOs to support the business community for safe release of its member.
Addressing the meeting, president of Dimapur District Citizens\u2019 Forum, Hokiye Yepthomi encouraged the business community to be united and have a consensus approach to tackle the problem.
ATC: Ad-hoc Town Council (ATC) East Dimapur, Purana Bazar condemned the abduction of the businessman by four men near Walford area. ATC chairman, Vihoshe Awomi termed the act \u201cdisgraceful and shameful in a civilized society\u201d and appealed the district administrative authority to book the culprits and to take necessary action.
DMC: Dimapur Municipal Council also has condemned the incident and appealed the abductors for the safe release of Hariram. DMC described Hariram as a senior citizen of Dimapur who has been actively contributing to the society in Nagaland socially and economically.
DNSU: Expressing \u201cserious concern and shock\u201d over the kidnapping of a trader by unknown miscreants at Walford, the Dimapur Naga students\u2019 union (DNSU) vehemently condemned the act and urged the kidnappers for early release of the victim. DNSU also called upon every organization and right thinking citizens to stand up and raise their voices against all anti-social elements in the society.
SKK: The All Sumi Students Union (SKK) has condemned the kidnapping of a Hariram by unknown miscreants from Walford Area Dimapur on November 25. SKK president, Abeto L. Shohe expressed \u201cdismay\u201d that such unwanted activity still persisted in the society when all sections of the people in Nagaland were yearning for peace and harmony. Describing the abduction as \u201cbeyond toleration and uncivilized,\u201d the Union appealed the concerned authority and the kidnappers for the safe release of the abducted businessman.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"