The Nagaland government directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, and the Commissioner of Nagaland, Kohima, to take “stringent measures” to check “anti-social elements” harassing the business communities particularly in Dimapur by various National Political Groups (NPGs)
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
The commercial hub of the state, Nagaland, witnessed total shut down of business transaction as the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) called an indefinite “shutter down” on Friday.
Following supports of various quarters from across the different business communities from within the state, the first day of the indefinite shutter down saw a “peaceful movement” with no reports of any untoward incidence (s).
Talking to this correspondent, vice-president, DCCI, V Shikuto Sema, who along with his colleagues visited Chumoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur, underlined that the first day of the “shutter down” itself saw extended supports from many districts including Wokha, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Kohima, and other districts.
However, Shikuto lamented that though there was a circulation from the Nagaland state government addressed to the DCCI to call off the “shutter down”, the same did not reach the office nor official (s) have any knowledge about it and for which the “shutter down” would be applicable all over the state.
He further went on to say that “until and unless” the state government sit with “us” for the talk or discussion, and till they (state government) give us in written about the safety of the business communities, the agitation will go on.
Meanwhile, with no positive response from the Nagaland state government in regard to the many grievances faced including the untold hardship in the guise of the “taxations”, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has on Friday through a press release issued jointly by its chairman, Dr Khekugha Murru, and general secretary, Dr Seyievilie Mor, stated that the CNCCI has decided to participate in the “All Nagaland Indefinite Shutter Down” starting April 27.
It further requested the DCCI that banking establishments, educational institutions, government offices, and all medical-related activities be kept outside the purview of the proposed “shutter down”.
Nagaland Govt directs DGP to take stringent steps to check ‘anti-social’ elements; urges DCCI to call off agitation
Calling on the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), which is spearheading the indefinite shut down of business across the state, to call off its protest, the Nagaland government on Friday has directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, and the Commissioner of Nagaland, Kohima, to take “stringent measures” in order to check “anti-social elements” harassing the business communities particularly in Dimapur by various National Political Groups (NPGs).
In a communique addressed to the DGP, and Commissioner, Nagaland, home commissioner, Nagaland, Vikeyie Kenya (IAS), stated that it has come to the notice of the Nagaland state government that rampant collection of “taxes” has been imposed upon the business communities particularly in Dimapur by various NPGs most of which are in truce with the government of India (GoI) that creates “unbearable situations” in carrying out their daily activities.
Stating that such activities reflect adversely on the law enforcing agency (s) as well as on the state government, the communique also read that the Nagaland state government has issued numerous instructions in the past to check the kind of activities and it was required to reiterate the instructions being given to the district administration and the police as enforced in letter and in spirit.
Following are the points noted for compliance as per the Nagaland government
- The Ceasefire Ground Rules (CGRs) should be effectively implemented and punitive actions should be taken against any violations for which the matter should be brought to the knowledge of chairman, Ceasefire Monitoring Croup/Ceasefire Supervisory Board for appropriate action
- The state government has always held the view that any collection by various “underground groups” are illegal and tantamount to extortion and accordingly, the police have been making continuous arrests of “UG cadres” found extorting, collecting taxes and detain such culprits under National Security Act (NSA).
- The Commissioner of Police should increase police patrolling in market areas and business locations where IRB personnel may be deployed to instil confidence among the public.
- Business shops may be advised to install CCTV in their locations.
- Police should check movement of antisocial elements with more surveillance through CCTV, security cameras in the market areas.
- Special cell be formed by the Commissioner of Police to exclusively deal with extortion cases/incidents.