NCD raises concerns over Sunday closures, liquor prohibition, drug control and restrictions on non-local businesses
The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has strongly opposed four resolutions issued by the NSCN/FRGN, saying the directives infringe on individual freedom, threaten lawful businesses and undermine peaceful coexistence among people from different communities.
In a statement issued by NCD president GK Rengma and general secretary Peter Anal, the council said religious observance could not be imposed through coercion, responding to directives concerning Sunday closures. It noted that similar diktats had been issued in the past in the name of respecting Christian sentiments, but maintained that Sunday observance should remain a matter of personal choice and conviction.
“Many business establishments have voluntarily closed during church service hours, demonstrating that faith and mutual respect are best upheld through understanding rather than force,” the NCD statement said.
On the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, the NCD said it had been spearheading efforts to review the Act’s implementation in Dimapur district. It stated that extensive research and case studies had been conducted, with findings shared with the public and civil society organisations through consultative meetings. The council said contradictions between the positions adopted by the Church and the department responsible for implementation remained evident and required honest public scrutiny.
Regarding the drug menace, the NCD said police were already pursuing a zero-tolerance approach against drug peddlers, while village councils and colonies remained vigilant. It described the fight against drugs as a collective responsibility of every law-abiding citizen, adding that renewed advocacy must lead to effective action rather than remain at the level of directives.
The council strongly condemned the directive ordering non-local business establishments to cease lawful operations, saying it violated the fundamental rights of bona fide Indian citizens and the principles of coexistence, equality and mutual respect. It warned that such measures could also provoke racial discrimination against thousands of Naga students and employed youths living elsewhere in the country.
Citing Mizoram as an example, the NCD said local entrepreneurship could flourish through decades of mutual support and business cooperation rather than exclusion or intimidation.
The council argued that the stagnation of local businesses could not be addressed by targeting non-local traders. It raised concern over the proliferation of 37 Naga Political Groups (NPGs), and counting, alleging interference in production, transportation, market syndicates and monopolistic practices that constrained local enterprise and economic growth. It said such circumstances had contributed to many Naga youths seeking employment outside the state to earn a livelihood and support their families.
“In an increasingly interconnected global economy, no individual, state or country can function in isolation,” the statement said, adding that economic progress depended on cooperation, fair competition and mutual respect rather than coercion and exclusion.
The NCD urged law-enforcement agencies to take immediate cognizance of the NSCN/FRGN press release and initiate appropriate preventive measures to ensure that no individual or business establishment was threatened, harassed or forced to cease lawful operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, harmony and the welfare of people in Nagaland and beyond, the council said civil society organisations should be the voice of the people, while the Church should make saving souls its foundational principle. It added that the same yardstick should apply to the various NPGs, which it said should focus on their core Naga national objective.
The council also warned that it would not tolerate extortionists, hooligans or any elements threatening, intimidating or harassing Dimapur residents during the festive season.
Citizens facing threats, harassment or intimidation were urged to report incidents through the following contact numbers: 8729875697, 9436004066, 9612121111, 9856854925, 9862588719 and 9862056203.
