As shops across Nagaland opened on Monday on the direction of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), citizens rushed to the markets to stock up essentials in apprehension that the indefinite shutter down may be prolonged.
CNCCI had directed district CCIs to open shops in all districts on Monday to provide the public a window period to re-stock. The business community in Nagaland, in solidarity with Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are protesting the continuous harassment from various Naga political groups in the form of unabated taxation, extortion, intimidation, summons, etc. They are demanding that the State Government take stringent steps to address the issue.
DCCI’s indefinite shutter down commenced on 26th April 2024. The business closure was also observed in Chümoukedima, Kohima and Wokha districts. Later that day, CNNI announced state wide indefinite shutter down from 27th April 2024 onwards, giving citizens no time to replenish their requirements.
The timing is also not in favour of most citizens because being end of the month, many households are likely to be low on budget. In addition to that, business in the commercial capital of Nagaland being shut for the last three days, means that supply has also been stalled.
Today as shops opened, a shop owner in Mokokchung Town said that because of low supply, perishables products in particularly, they are unable to cater to all the demands of the customers. He however also informs that even with three workers at the store, the rush was such that they struggled to serve to the customers today.
The shop owner also expressed hope that CNCCI and the Nagaland Government will resolve the issue at the earliest for the convenience of consumers as well as for the benefit of the business community.
The in-charge at the Indian Oil fuel station also mentioned that petrol got sold out on 26th April itself and they had not been able to refill. He also hoped that the indefinite shutter down would be lifted as it was affecting the business.
A closed fuel station on 29th April 2024 because there is out of fuel
In other towns as well huge queues at fuel stations were witnessed. Market places were bustling with people making what can be described at ‘panic shopping’.
The traffic jam in Kohima town was also reported to be worse than usual days.
However, to the relieve of all, DCCI had decided to lift the agitation after the State Government had replied satisfactorily to its charter of demands.
