Mokokchung, 26 November (MTNews): The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has thrown its full support behind the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) regarding the recent ban imposed by NSCN-IM on Tez, Talab, and Tobacco products in Mokokchung.
In a statement released today, the CNCCI acknowledged that while neither the CNCCI nor the MCCI advocates for the consumption of tobacco products, they assert that these items are legal products subject to Goods and Service Tax and can be legally sold by adhering to COTPA regulations. And therefore, the CNCCI stated, “though the intention may be good, any attempt to ban selling of such products is condemned and unwelcomed by the business community.”
The CNCCI reminded the NSCN-IM that the business community has consistently supported the early resolution of the Indo-Naga Political issue and, therefore, urged the NSCN-IM to focus all its resources and energy towards bringing early Naga political solution. It added that an early solution was an aspiration of every Naga and asked the NSCN-IM not to be carried away by matters and issues which have no connection with Naga political aspiration and solution.
Expressing shock at reports of police involvement in harassing the business community of Mokokchung instead of addressing illegal activities, the CNCCI called for a thorough investigation by the highest authority. It demanded swift action against any police personnel found guilty of harassing businesses in Mokokchung.
The CNCCI also assured the MCCI that the business community of Nagaland is fully behind its fight and assertion in letter and in spirit, adding that MCCI should ensure that such diktats should not be allowed to hamper the business ecosystem of the district.