Sunday marks the third day of unrest as normal life in Nagaland is disrupted by the indefinite closure of businesses protesting “extortion” by Naga political groups, with people heading straight to neighboring Assam to buy essentials. entered in.
The shutdown was also called by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Friday to protest the government's alleged inaction in protecting businesses in Dimapur, the commercial hub of the state.
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The Confederation of Nagaland Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) also supported the call, following which shutdown was imposed in other districts from Saturday.
Markets across the state remained closed, resulting in people in Nagaland, especially those living along the state border with Assam, reportedly going to neighboring states to buy essential items.
There are no restrictions on the movement of people or traffic.
The Confederation of Nagaland Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has announced that the state-wide shutdown will continue indefinitely but will be relaxed for six hours from noon to 6 pm on Monday to allow people to procure essential items.
CNCCI President Kekuga Mulu said the decision was taken in view of the fact that closures were imposed in many districts without prior notice to the public.
The CNCCI called on the government to take steps to stop the underground group's “unabated” extortion and intimidation.
Kenya's Secretary of State for Home Affairs Vikye ordered the police to take strict action, saying, “Such acts have a negative impact not only on the state government but also on law enforcement agencies.”
He directed the district administration and police to report any violation of the ceasefire basic rules to the ceasefire monitoring group and take appropriate measures, and also directed the “underground cadres” found to have committed acts of extortion under the National Security Law. He ordered that the arrests be continued.
Meanwhile, DCCI submitted a five-point demand charter to the state government through Deputy Commissioner Dimapur on Saturday.
The DCCI demanded that the state government immediately clarify whether NPG taxation is legal or illegal. He also questioned whether the business community should pay GST or tax NPG.
DCCI urges government to “summon members of business community to NPG offices, camps and surveillance rooms” as illegal law enforcement agencies are authorized to act against such locations asked to do so.
The DCCI also called for extortion, kidnapping and waylaying of vehicles to be dealt with swiftly and with full force without impunity.
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