The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) on Monday evening called off its indefinite shutter-down protest across nine districts, following what it described as a written assurance from the state government to address its core demands.
“This decision was made following a positive response from the government. It was thoroughly discussed among the office bearers and further consulted with the nine aggrieved district chambers,” the CNCCI said in a statement.
“The CNCCI salutes the strong mandate that each district chamber commands within its respective business community, as demonstrated by the successful observance of the shutter down,” it added.
The protest, which began early Monday, was launched in response to the government’s “prolonged inaction” regarding the inclusion of business representatives in urban local bodies (ULBs). The CNCCI has demanded that one member from each District Chamber of Commerce and Industry be nominated to the respective nine ULBs.
The shutdown affected business activities in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri districts. Although shops remained closed in protest, essential services such as hospitals, fuel stations, educational institutions, and government offices remained functional. The protest followed months of appeals and a previously suspended strike in April.
At a press conference in Dimapur, CNCCI president Dr Khekugha Muru announced the decision to withdraw the protest, stating that the confederation and the district chambers had made efforts over the past four years to resolve the issue amicably. He said they were left with no option but to demonstrate through a shutter down.
Muru clarified that the intention was never to inconvenience the public. He expressed regret for any inconvenience caused, adding that their aim was to highlight issues that ultimately affect the consumers as well. He also thanked the public, NGOs, civil society organisations, and the business community for their support.
He added that had there been no response, the CNCCI was prepared to expand the agitation across all 17 districts. While asserting that a written assurance was received, the CNCCI chose not to disclose its contents. Meanwhile, a PTI report quoted an official from the Municipal Affairs Department stating that no such assurance had been issued.
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