Nagaland: NCD Urges DCCI and State Government to Resolve Issue Within 48 Hours

Nagaland News Today

The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), in collaboration with several Dimapur-based civil society groups, tribal hohos, unions and associations, has urged both the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the state government to resolve the issue of indefinite bandh within two days.

In a memorandum to the Chief Secretary signed by NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon, Vice President (CB) GK Rengma, General Secretary LK Peter Anal and Vice President (Admn.) Holuto Aye, the NCD said failure to resolve the matter within two days would result in the CSO , shall force the HOHOS, unions and associations as well as the Council, to take more strict action in Dimapur district. This was one of the several resolutions adopted at the joint consultative meeting held at the NCD Hall in Dimapur on Saturday to deliberate on the indefinite shutdown called by DCCI.

The House also gave a deadline of 45 days to the Home Department and Dimapur District Administration to completely verify and investigate all the existing unions/associations/welfare organizations.

The House appreciated the State Government for its serious approach to the issue and issuing specific instructions to follow the ground rules of the ceasefire. The House also appreciated the decision to register all types of extortion and tax collection activities under NSA. Additionally, the House appreciated the DGP for deploying additional forces to stop illegal and large-scale extortion in Dimapur.

The House decided to extend their support to the ongoing indefinite strike in Dimapur district by stating their commitment that NCD will play an active role in the talks and any upcoming solution.

The meeting also reaffirmed the NCD's resolution of 10 October 2012, emphasizing that arbitrary power shutdown/strike will not be allowed under its jurisdiction in future without prior permission.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, the House decided that no illegal taxation/extortion will be imposed on any Naga Political Group (NPG) until the impasse is resolved between the CSOs, State Government and Government of India.

The House reiterated the NCD's previous memorandum to the Center urging early resolution of the Naga political issue, saying it was the root cause of illegal money collection from both the business community and the public.

Meanwhile, the House reiterated its commitment to empower the Dimapur Public Grievances Committee within the Vigilance Committee of NCD to effectively address all public grievances in Dimapur.

In a joint effort to deal with the continuing issues, due to which the indefinite close strike was first initiated by the DCCI and later the statewide indefinite close strike from April 27, called by the Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), Naga Council Dimapur. Was. NCD) is appealing to DCCI and CNCCI to expedite talks with the State Government for an early resolution.

NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon underlined this imperative while speaking to media persons after an extensive session with various civil society organizations (CSOs) at the council's conference hall here on Saturday. Despite more than three hours of long deliberations, no conclusive decision could be taken due to the absence of DDCCI representation.

Emphasizing the serious nature of the issue, Kikon stressed the importance of prompt action of DDCCI and CNCCI in collaborating with the State Government to ease the pressure on the public, especially the impact on students due to the closure of petrol pumps. To reduce it. Kikon clarified that school and traffic operations continued as normal, but highlighted the difficulties posed by the disruption in petrol pump services, especially for commuters.

To directly deal with these challenges, the Assembly decided to form a "Dimapur Grievance Committee" under the leadership of the Vigilance Committee of NCD, consisting of tribal presidents and CSO representatives. This team will lead initiatives to address the concerns and collaborate with the state government to find viable solutions.

Additionally, Kikon expressed apprehensions about extortionate practices in Dimapur, with not only Naga Political Groups (NPGs) but also several unions and associations charging fees, increasing the challenges faced by businesses. He is hopeful that the Complaints Committee will cooperate with the Government to pursue a solution that is beneficial to all parties.

Amid the lockdown in Assam and rising prices of vital commodities, Kikon has appealed to traders for public cooperation, stressing on the importance of fair pricing. He reiterated NCD's support for "One Government One Tax" and urged traders and business owners to follow taxation rules.

NCD (CB) Vice President GK Rengma expressed concern over the rise of NPG in the state after the framework agreement and reiterated NCD's dedication to the principle of "one government one tax". He also drew attention to the presence of several unions involved in taxation, stressing the importance of examining the issue. Rengma praised the police and the district administration for their tireless efforts in maintaining peace despite the difficult circumstances.

The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has advocated digitalization of fee collection methods to prevent large-scale extortion under the guise of various pretexts. Additionally, the BAN has proposed that failure to report taxation should be considered a crime.

Akum Jamir, convener of the grievance cell at the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), explained in detail about BAN's plans to tackle widespread extortion and unauthorized taxation in the city. Although BAN has not directly interacted with the Vigilance Committee of NCD, Akum revealed that as a part of the NCD Dimapur Grievance Committee, BAN has identified two critical areas that require immediate attention.

Initially, BAN aims to push for more stringent rules regarding the multitude of welfare committees and unions operating in Dimapur, underscoring their extreme proliferation, numbering more than 100. Akum stressed the imperative of strong government enforcement of financial protocols within these organizations.

He advocated mandatory digital transactions in all fee collections to maintain transparency and accountability.

Akum stressed the critical need for rapid reporting of both criminal activities and tax evasion cases. He illustrated this point with examples of truck drivers raising prices and being wrongly held responsible for NPG taxation. Akum advocated treating failure to report such incidents as extortion or financing terrorist acts.