Nagaland Trade Unions Decide on Indefinite Shutdown over Representation Demand

At least nine out of 17 commerce and industry associations in Nagaland have announced an indefinite voluntary business shutdown starting from May 19, as they protest against the state government's failure to meet their demand for representation in urban local bodies (ULBs).

The decision was made public by Khekugha Muru, president of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), on Tuesday. The associations have long been demanding nominated seats in their respective ULBs.

Similar to a previous state-wide business shutdown that took place April 24, only to be called off after discussions with the government, this event will also not disrupt essential services, Muru stated: "The shutter down is not anti-government. We are only exercising our democratic rights. It is going to be voluntary."

The affected districts likely include Dimapur , Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto , Phek, Tseminyu and Meluri , according to a source within one of the associations.

Over several efforts made by the trade unions to make their demands known, there has been no clear response from the government.