Kohima: The Nagaland government has urged the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) to withdraw its call for an indefinite shutdown of commercial establishments across nine districts, scheduled to begin on May 19.
The proposed shutdown, announced by CNCCI president Khekugha Muru, comes in response to the state government’s alleged failure to formally include representatives from district chambers of commerce (DCCIs) in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), particularly town councils.
The districts expected to participate in the shutdown include Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri.
Speaking to the press, Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, said the government has taken concrete steps to involve members of the business community in urban governance.
He noted that three chamber representatives have already been nominated to the municipal councils of Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung.
Rio further revealed that the issue was recently discussed in a cabinet meeting, which resulted in approval for including chamber members in deliberations, particularly those concerning the pricing of essential commodities.
However, he acknowledged CNCCI’s demand for formal inclusion in all ULBs across the nine district headquarters.
Explaining the legal limitations, Rio pointed to the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023, which previously allowed a 1:5 ratio of government-nominated members in ULBs but now permits a 1:3 ratio following a recent amendment.
“This is the extent to which the government can act under the current law,” he said, adding that any further move would require wider consensus and cannot be imposed unilaterally.
Nagaland government spokesperson and minister K.G. Kenye also weighed in, acknowledging the legitimacy of the DCCIs’ concerns.
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He assured that the department is working to identify specific towns where chamber representation can be granted and requested the CNCCI to refrain from extreme measures like an indefinite shutdown.
According to CNCCI vice chairman Seyievilie Mor, Kenye had met with chamber leaders on Friday and assured them that the matter would be taken up by the state cabinet.
However, Mor said that without a written commitment from the government, the DCCIs are prepared to move ahead with the total shutdown starting Monday.
