The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has strongly opposed four resolutions issued by the NSCN/FRGN, particularly a directive targeting non-local business establishments, stating that such measures infringe upon individual freedom, threaten lawful businesses and undermine peaceful coexistence among different communities.
In a statement issued by NCD president GK Rengma and general secretary L.K. Peter Anal, the council said directives affecting religious observance, liquor prohibition, drug control and business operations should be addressed through dialogue, lawful procedures and effective implementation rather than coercion.
On Sunday observance, the NCD stated that repeated diktats had been issued in the past in the name of respecting Christian sentiments. However, it maintained that religious observance could not be imposed through coercion and should remain a matter of personal choice and conviction.
The council noted that many business establishments had voluntarily closed during church service hours, demonstrating that faith and mutual respect were best upheld through understanding rather than force.
On the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, the NCD stated that it had been spearheading efforts to review the implementation of the Act in Dimapur district. It said findings from extensive research and case studies had been shared with the public and civil society organisations through consultative meetings.
The Council also pointed to what it described as contradictions between the positions adopted by the Church and the department responsible for implementing the Act, stating that these required honest public scrutiny.
Regarding the drug menace, the NCD maintained that police were already pursuing a zero-tolerance approach against drug peddlers, while village councils and respective colonies remained vigilant. It said combating drugs was a collective responsibility of every law-abiding citizen and that renewed advocacy must translate into effective action rather than mere directives.
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The Council strongly condemned what it termed an unreasonable directive ordering non-local business establishments to shut down their lawful operations in different jurisdictions and phases.
According to the NCD, such a directive threatened the fundamental rights of bona fide Indian citizens and violated the principles of coexistence, equality and mutual respect. It also warned that the move could provoke racial discrimination against Naga students and employed youths living in other parts of the country.
Citing Mizoram as an example, the council said local entrepreneurship could flourish through sustained mutual support and business cooperation rather than exclusion or intimidation.
The NCD argued that the stagnation of local businesses could not be addressed by targeting non-local traders. Instead, it expressed concern over the proliferation of 37 Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and counting, alleging interference in production, transportation, market syndicates and monopolistic practices that constrained local enterprise and economic growth.
It said such circumstances contributed to the difficulties faced by local businesses and compelled many Naga youths to seek employment outside the State to earn a livelihood and support their families.
Emphasising the importance of economic cooperation in an increasingly interconnected global economy, the council said no individual, State or country could function in isolation and that economic progress depended on cooperation, fair competition and mutual respect rather than coercion and exclusion.
The NCD urged law-enforcement agencies to take immediate cognisance of the NSCN/FRGN press release and initiate appropriate preventive measures to ensure that no individual or business establishment was threatened, harassed or forced to cease lawful operations.
Reiterating its commitment to peace, harmony and public welfare in Nagaland and beyond, the council said civil society organisations should serve as the voice of the people, while the Church should keep saving souls as its foundational principle. It added that the same yardstick should apply to the various Naga political groups, which it urged to focus on their core Naga national objectives.
The Council warned that it would not tolerate extortionists, hooligans or any elements threatening, intimidating or harassing citizens of Dimapur during the festive season.
Citizens facing threats, harassment or intimidation have been urged to report the matter through the following contact numbers: 8729875697, 9436004066, 9612121111, 9856854925, 9862588719 and 9862056203.
