The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has announced an indefinite voluntary business shutdown in nine districts beginning May 19.
This was announced in a press conference held at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on Tuesday, following the induction of CNCCI’s new executive council for the 2025–2030 term.
The shutdown will affect Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Zunheboto, Meluri, Phek, Wokha, Peren, and Tseminyu. CNCCI stated that the move is in response to the Nagaland government’s failure to provide uniform nominee representation from the business community in the district Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) despite repeated appeals.
According to CNCCI, while Kohima and Mokokchung districts were given representation, other major commercial centres, including Dimapur, were excluded. The confederation had earlier agreed to the government’s suggestion to begin with district-level representation, with the understanding that all districts would be included. However, the selective appointments following last year’s ULB elections have caused widespread dissatisfaction within the business community.
The CNCCI maintains that the inclusion of business representatives in ULBs is essential to ensure transparency in local governance and to address issues such as inconsistent regulations, syndicate operations, and unauthorized levies outside the scope of GST and municipal laws.
The confederation emphasized that their participation in urban policy-making is vital, given their contributions through trade licenses, taxes, and sanitation fees.
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Despite the shutdown, CNCCI confirmed that essential services—such as the supply of medicines, fuel, and the functioning of educational institutions—will not be affected.
Meanwhile, it was informed that Dr. Khekugha Muru has been re-elected as chairman of CNCCI for a second tenure (2025–2030). Other newly inducted executive members include Dr. Seyievilie Mor, Jabou Sekhose, and Dorothy Chang as vice chairpersons, Avi Chase as general secretary, Tsalichum S Sangtam and Kekhrieletuo Kelio as secretaries, Omega Yepthomi as head of the grievances tribunal, S Abenthung Ngullie, Tocky Zhimo, and Chiloising Michoi as joint secretaries; and Kevin Yepthomi as treasurer.
