Commercial activity across Dimapur came to a complete standstill on May 19 as the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) launched an indefinite voluntary business shutdown across nine districts of Nagaland. The action stems from dissatisfaction over the Nagaland government’s handling of business community representation in District Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). However, following assurances by the Governmen to include District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) members in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the CNCCI officially called off the shutdown this evening.
The Indefinite shutdown was earlier announced during a press conference held at Hotel Saramati on May 13, coinciding with the induction of CNCCI’s new executive council for the 2025–2030 term. The confederation pointed to what it described as the government’s failure to ensure uniform nominee representation from the business sector in the ULBs, despite repeated appeals and previous agreements.
According to CNCCI, while it had accepted the state government’s proposal to initiate district-level representation with the promise of statewide inclusion, the recent ULB appointments were selective and have caused growing frustration among business stakeholders.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The CNCCI argued that representation in ULBs is critical for ensuring transparency and fair governance. Issues cited include inconsistent regulations, illegal syndicate operations, and unauthorized levies that fall outside the purview of GST and municipal law. The confederation highlighted the business community’s ongoing contributions to the state through trade licenses, taxes, and sanitation fees as grounds for legitimate inclusion in urban policymaking.
Though the business shutdown was announced indefinite, CNCCI clarified that essential services, including medical supplies, fuel distribution, and educational institutions would continue to operate without disruption.
Reactions from local business owners suggest a mix of concern and support. While some lament the impact on daily business operations and the inconvenience to the general public, many continue to stand by the CNCCI’s call for fair representation. Vegetable vendors, meanwhile, assured that prices of essential goods would remain consistent with the rates set by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC).
