KOHIMA, 26 Apr: An indefinite shutdown of shops and other business establishments began in Nagaland’s commercial capital Dimapur on Friday, protesting against extortion by underground groups.
The shutter-down call was given by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI). Business associations in other districts also extended support and went for a daylong shutdown.
The DCCI said that the decision has been taken as there is “no end in sight to the unabated multiple taxation, intimidation and summons” by the groups.
Urging the state government to take immediate steps, the DCCI said that the law enforcement agencies can no longer afford to ignore what the business community is going through.
It urged civil society organisations and the people to bear with the inconveniences and to lend support to their cause.
DCCI president Akashe K Zhimomi said that the situation is peaceful.
Asked if there was any response from the state government, Zhimomi said that they are still waiting for it.
In the state capital, the Kohima Chamber of
Commerce & Industries imposed a 12-hour shutdown of all commercial establishments, barring pharmacies and hotels. Even street vendors stayed away.
The situation was similar in most of the other districts.
The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) termed the shutdown “totally justified,” and said that extortions and harassment meted out to the business community cannot be tolerated any further.
It said that if the DCCI’s grievances are not addressed by the government at the appropriate time, the CNCCI would step up the agitation and go for an indefinite shutdown across the state from Saturday. (PTI)
