Kohima: In a bid to address the unending menace of multiple taxation, intimidation, and summons, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has announced an indefinite shutter down of all shops and business establishments in the city, effective from April 26.
The decision comes as a result of alleged harassment and extortion tactics employed by various Naga political groups (NPGs), which have created an increasingly hostile business environment in Dimapur.
The DCCI, in a statement, highlighted the plight of shop owners who are continuously targeted by NPGs, facing arbitrary summon letters, intimidation, and even physical assault.
Of particular concern to the DCCI is the alarming trend of NPGs resorting to illegal tactics to extort money from businesses. This includes forcing shops to display Maximum Retail Price (MRP) stickers with the intention of later accusing them of price manipulation.
They alleged that the NPGs have been known to plant illegal substances in shops as a pretext for summoning and penalising shopkeepers with hefty fines.
The situation has reached a critical point, with many businesses on the brink of collapse and others forced to relocate to neighboring towns in Assam where operating costs are lower. The DCCI emphasised that the business community can no longer tolerate such harassment and threats to their livelihoods.
Despite repeated appeals to the state government and law enforcement agencies, the DCCI asserted that little has been done to address the plight of businesses in Dimapur.
In light of these developments, the DCCI has called upon civil society organisations and the public to support the indefinite shutter down and lend their cooperation for the greater welfare of all citizens.
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Meanwhile, shopkeepers and traders have been advised not to entertain any summons from NPGs without the knowledge of the DCCI and to prioritise their own safety by refraining from keeping any suspicious articles or belongings of customers in their shops.
Dimapur, once known for its vibrant business community, they said, is now grappling with the title of “extortion capital” due to the proliferation of NPGs engaging in illegal tax collections.
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