The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has urged the Nagaland government to keep in abeyance the implementation of its recent notification prohibiting religion-based, NGO-based and other unauthorized slogans, signages, stickers and identifiers on private and public vehicles, calling for wider consultations before enforcement.
In a statement issued on Friday, the CNCCI said it was concerned about both the broad scope of the notification and the lack of clarity on whether commercial vehicles fall within its ambit.
While stating that it was not opposed to the government regulating vehicle markings in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, the chamber questioned the urgency of the notification and said its implementation should be preceded by stakeholder consultations.
The CNCCI observed that the legal provisions cited in the notification have existed for several years and that enforcement in other parts of the country has generally focused on unauthorized VIP markings, caste-based slogans, political displays, misuse of government insignia and modified number plates.
According to the chamber, it was unaware of any nationwide, uniform implementation prohibiting religious, church, NGO and community identifiers on vehicles and questioned why Nagaland had adopted what it described as a broader interpretation of the rules without adequate public engagement.
The organization argued that Nagaland’s unique socio-political and security realities should be taken into account, pointing to the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue and the continued application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in parts of the region.
It stated that for decades, identifiers associated with churches, tribal bodies, NGOs and community organizations have served as markers of identity, trust and public service, often aiding recognition during emergencies, humanitarian activities and law-and-order situations.
The chamber further raised concerns over the practical implications of the notification for vehicles entering Nagaland from other states, noting that many carry religious symbols, institutional logos, charitable organization markings and community identifiers. It said the notification does not clearly specify whether such vehicles would be exempt from enforcement measures.
The CNCCI maintained that any policy with significant social implications should be preceded by consultations involving tribal hohos, church organizations, civil society groups, transport associations, business bodies and other stakeholders.
In view of these concerns, the chamber called on the government to suspend implementation of the notification and undertake a broader consultative process before introducing enforcement measures.
The CNCCI maintained that any policy with significant social implications should be preceded by consultations involving tribal hohos, church organizations, civil society groups, transport associations, business bodies and other stakeholders.