The Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PDCCI) has called upon business establishments across Phek district to observe a half-day shutdown until 12 noon on August 14 as an expression of remembrance, reflection, unity, reconciliation and hope for a common future.
In a statement, PDCCI said the observance is intended to honour and remember the sacrifices of the forefathers and those who contributed to the history and aspirations of the Naga people.
“Their sacrifices and struggles form an important part of our shared history and should remind every generation of the responsibility we carry towards our common future,” the chamber stated.
PDCCI said remembrance of the past should also provide an opportunity for “honest reflection” on the divisions and differences of the present.
“The strength of our people lies not merely in remembering where we came from, but in our ability to rise above differences, build mutual understanding, and work towards a peaceful and united future,” it said.
The chamber appealed to Naga political groups, national workers, civil society organisations, community leaders and the public to strengthen cooperation, build trust and place the larger welfare and future of the Naga people above individual differences and interests.
It particularly urged the Naga political leadership to reflect on the need for greater “unity, reconciliation and oneness”.
“Differences may exist, but they should not become a permanent barrier to cooperation, peace and the collective aspirations of the people,” PDCCI said.
It added that future generations should inherit not only the history of the Naga people’s struggles, but also the wisdom to overcome divisions and build a common future.
“Unity does not require the absence of differences; it requires the willingness to respect those differences while working together for the greater good,” the chamber stated.
PDCCI further said lasting peace, dignity, progress and prosperity could be achieved through collective responsibility, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the welfare of the people.
The chamber clarified that the half-day shutdown is intended as “a collective expression of remembrance, reflection, unity, reconciliation and hope for a common future”, rather than merely an observance of the past.
PDCCI called for the full cooperation of business establishments across Phek district in observing the shutdown until 12 noon on August 14 and urged the public to use the occasion to reflect on the shared history of the Naga people and renew their commitment towards “Naga unity, reconciliation and oneness.”
The statement was signed by Razoukhrüyi Dozo, President, and Io Yeswu, General Secretary, Phek District Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
