Following Phek and Tseminyu, more district-level business bodies in Nagaland have announced an indefinite voluntary business shutdown beginning Monday, May 19, 2025, expressing dissatisfaction over the State Government’s failure to fulfill the demands of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI).
The core demand centers on the inclusion of representatives from District Chambers in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which the CNCCI and affiliated district chambers say is a legitimate right and crucial for ensuring participatory representation in local governance.
Among the districts confirming participation, Mokokchung Times accessed formal notifications and appeals from Chümoukedima, Wokha, Meluri, and Zunheboto. All four districts reiterated that the shutdown would be conducted in a democratic and voluntary manner, with exemptions for essential services including medical stores, gas stations, educational institutions, banks, government offices, and both private and government vehicles.
The Chümoukedima Chamber of Commerce & Trade Association (CCC&TA), in its executive meeting, unanimously resolved to proceed with the shutdown, stating that the protest will be entirely democratic and voluntary.
Exempted services during the shutdown include medical stores, gas stations, banks, educational institutions, government offices, and vehicular movement—both public and private. The CCC&TA has appealed to all businesses and consumers in the town to cooperate and bear with the inconvenience caused.
Similarly, the Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCCI) issued a formal notification stating that the decision to observe the shutdown comes after the State Government failed to include several districts, including Wokha, in the ULB nomination process. “The absence of business representation in local self-governance is a gross oversight,” it said, adding that the protest is not confrontational but a principled stand for justice, equity, and democratic participation.
The Meluri District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MDCCI) also declared its support for the CNCCI’s call, following a meeting on May 16 with government spokesperson K.G. Kenye. Although the meeting was described as “fruitful,” the MDCCI expressed distrust in verbal assurances and stated it would only reconsider the shutdown if the government provides a written commitment to fulfill CNCCI’s demands.
The Zunheboto District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZDCCI) also confirmed its participation in the indefinite voluntary shutdown starting May 19, adding that all emergency services, schools, and government offices would be exempted. ZDCCI informed the District Superintendent of Police and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of the proposed agitation.
However, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has formally announced that it will not support the shutdown within its jurisdiction. In a public notice, the DMC described the CNCCI’s call for protest as a cause for public inconvenience, stating, “A demand involving a section should not result in putting the entire public to hardship.”
The DMC emphasized that the need of the hour is to promote business and commerce, particularly as other cities in the region are advancing economically. “Such disruptions negatively impact the socio-economic condition of the city and its public,” it said.
Issuing separate appeals, Councillors H Nikali Zhimo (Ward 10) and Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung, Deputy Chairperson of DMC (Ward 21), urged all business establishments under their respective wards to remain open and continue operations. “We seek full cooperation from the councils and GBs to ensure peace and uninterrupted economic activity,” Ezung said.
The DMC has called on all trade organizations and the public to act with “restraint and responsibility” and reiterated its commitment to serve the people of Dimapur while seeking “wisdom and understanding” from all stakeholders.