KOHIMA: The Nagaland Home Department has urged the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) to call off its indefinite shutdown imposed across the state, effective today.
In an attempt to persuade the Chamber to lift the closure of business establishments, the Department has directed the Director General of Police, Nagaland, and Commissioner of Kohima to take stringent action against Underground Groups (UGs) collecting “illegal taxes” from businesses, especially in Dimapur.
“The state government has always maintained that any collections by various Underground Groups (UGs) are illegal and tantamount to extortion. Accordingly, the police have been continuously making arrests of UG cadres found extorting taxes and detaining such culprits under the National Security Act (NSA). This exercise should continue without any let-up,” the statement, signed by Vikeyie Kenya, Home Commissioner, reads.
Acknowledging the rampant taxation imposed by National Political Groups (NPGs), most of which are in truce with the Government of India, the Department also stated that it will implement the Ceasefire Ground Rules more strictly, and the Ceasefire Supervisory Board will take appropriate action against violators.
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The Department also pledged to increase police patrolling in market areas and business locations. “Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) may be deployed to instil confidence among the public,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the department committed to forming a Special Cell under the Commissioner of Police to exclusively deal with extortion incidents.
Earlier today, life in three districts of Nagaland came to a standstill as the DCCI’s call for an indefinite shutdown of businesses took effect from 6 am.
The majority of shops and business establishments remained closed, and the typically bustling streets of Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima wore a deserted look.
The DCCI had announced the closure as a mark of protest against alleged taxation, intimidation, and harassment faced by the business community from various NPGs on April 26.
