The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has expressed deep concern over the Nagaland Cabinet’s recent decision on representation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), warning that nine aggrieved districts will move ahead with an indefinite business shutdown unless their longstanding demands are fairly addressed.
While thanking Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his Cabinet colleagues for including the issue in the Cabinet agenda, the CNCCI stated that the decision taken “mirrors the proposal put forth by the Department of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs (UD&MA) during a meeting held on 23rd April 2025,” a proposal they had “categorically rejected.”
It may be mentioned here that, following a Cabinet meeting on April 30, the Nagaland government has approved the inclusion of representatives from District Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCIs) as special invitees in Urban Local Body (ULB) meetings held in District Headquarters.
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However, these representatives will not be accorded voting rights.
“This raises serious concerns as to whether the longstanding and genuine demands of the District Chambers were accurately and appropriately presented to the Cabinet by the Chief Secretary and the concerned department,” the CNCCI said in a public statement.
Reiterating that their demand for representation in ULBs is neither new nor arbitrary, the CNCCI recalled formally communicating the matter as far back as September 2021 through written submissions to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner Secretary of UD&MA. A delegation also met the Chief Secretary in 2024, with further verbal assurances given during an interaction at the Chief Minister’s residence.
In accordance with the nomination procedure, all District Chambers submitted their nomination papers through their respective Deputy Commissioners, the CNCCI said. However, it pointed out that only the Chambers from Mokokchung and Kohima were included, leaving out nine others and causing a “sense of marginalization.”
In response, and reflecting the growing frustration on the ground, the CNCCI said that it called for a peaceful, democratic, and indefinite voluntary business shutdown from April 25. “This collective action was taken to express the displeasure of the nine aggrieved District Chambers. Subsequently, the government invited the CNCCI for a meeting, during which our position was clearly reiterated,” the CNCCI narrated.
“We understand that the Cabinet’s decision was likely to be based on the inputs provided by the Chief Secretary and the concerned department. It is therefore imperative that the matter—as it has evolved over the past four years—be presented to the Cabinet truthfully and in its entirety,” it added.
While urging the Chief Minister and the Cabinet to re-examine this longstanding and legitimate demand, the CNCCI also demanded that the Chief Secretary and the Department of UD&MA to accurately and comprehensively brief the Cabinet.
“In a gesture of goodwill and respect for the government’s request, the CNCCI and the District Chambers deferred the proposed shutdown for two weeks,” the body stated. However, “in the absence of a fair and just resolution, the CNCCI is left with no option but to allow the nine aggrieved districts to proceed with the indefinite shutdown.”
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“We assure the public that sufficient notice and information will be provided in advance,” it added.
The CNCCI concluded by appealing to the public for understanding and support, emphasizing that the demand “is not motivated by personal or political ambitions” but aims to protect both the business community and consumers across Nagaland.