The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has called for ‘indefinite shutter down’ in Dimapur with effect from 26 April 2024 in protest against “unabated multiple taxation, intimidation and summons”. The shutter down of all shops and business establishment will be enforced until redressal of the grievances of the business community, the trade body has said.
DCCI, in a press release, alleged that the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) are resorting to unimaginable tactics to extort from the business community. It said that of late, some NPGs would bring their own MRP (Maximum Retail Price) sticker machines to shops with the sole intention to implicating the shop owners. The NPGs would then call YouTubers and news channels accusing the shop owners of trying to manipulate the MRP , who without knowing the real motive behind such acts, upload the feeds on social media.
“Another devious strategy is that some NPGs plant illegal substances in shops to tarnish the reputation of the shops. After that, they will summon the shopkeepers and penalize them with hefty fines,” DCCI claimed.
Further, the business community claimed that before indulging in such criminal acts, “the perpetrators usually confiscate the CCTVs/DVR installed in shops to hide their illegal designs”.
DCCI expressed its frustration of being harassed by the NPGs in the form of multiple taxation, intimidation and summon letters. It mentioned that just last week a businessman was brutally assaulted in an abduction attempt and had to be hospitalised. The NPGs also extorted money from him, the organisation said.
“… the will to survive in the competitive market is waning among the business community as the little profit they make through hard labour is being snatched away at gunpoint, leaving many households in tears.” DCCI stated.
The trade body also mentioned that the business community has to face the daily harassment of being summoned to the camps and offices of the NPGs under threat. Due to such “unfriendly business environment in Dimapur, many business houses are shifting from Dimapur to neighbouring town in Assam, where the price of goods and materials are much cheaper,” it added.
It appealed that the Nagaland Government and law enforcing agencies to take immediate steps to protect the business community before situation spirals out of hand. The government and its agencies can no longer afford to ignore what the business community is going through, it said.
The DCCI further reminded the business community not to entertain any call or summons to visit offices of different NPGs without its knowledge. It also advised shopkeepers and traders against entertaining or keeping any article or belonging of customers or strangers in their shops for their own safety.
It asserted that the business community is not against any group or factions, only against multiple taxation and extortion.
Meanwhile, DCCI requested the civil society organisations and public at large to bear with the inconveniences due to the proposed indefinite shutter down, and to lend their support and cooperation for the interest and welfare of all citizens.
