Dimapur: Nine district chambers of commerce and industries (DCCIs) in Nagaland have announced an ‘indefinite’ voluntary business shutdown starting May 19.
The trade bodies have called for a business shutdown in protest against the state government’s “failure” to meet their demand for representation in urban local bodies (ULBs).
The decision was announced by Khekugha Muru, president of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), on Tuesday during the handing-over ceremony of the new CNCCI leadership team for the 2025–2030 tenure.
The associations have long been demanding nominated seats in their respective ULBs.
The CNCCI serves as the parent body for 11 DCCIs across the state.
The CNCCI had earlier declared a state-wide business shutdown on April 24 over the same issue, but called it off after talks with the Nagaland government.
The shutdown will impact businesses in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri districts.
Muru said that despite multiple representations submitted by the CNCCI on behalf of the DCCIs, the government had not fully addressed their request for ULB representation.
While the administration had appointed DCCI members to the Kohima and Mokokchung municipal councils, it failed to extend similar nominations to other districts.
Muru, however, said the strike would not disrupt essential services.
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“The shutter down is not anti-government. We are only exercising our democratic rights. It is going to be voluntary,” Muru said.
Muru has been re-elected as the CNCCI chairman, with Dr. Seyievilie Mor, Jabou Sekhose, and Dorothy Chang serving as vice chairpersons, and Avi Chase as the new general secretary.
