Nagaland's DCCIs Announce Indefinite Voluntary Business Shutdown

dimapur: In a move that is expected to impact businesses in nine districts of the state, the nine district chambers of commerce and industries (DCCIs) in Nagaland have announced an 'indefinite' voluntary business shutdown starting May 19.

The trade bodies called for the strike as a protest against the state government's "failure" to meet their demand for representation in urban local bodies (ULBs).

According to Khekugha Muru, president of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), who announced the decision during the handing-over ceremony of the new leadership team for the 2025-2030 tenure. The associations have long been demanding nominated seats in their respective ULBs.

As per CNCCI, the shutdown will have an impact on businesses in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tseminyu and Meluri districts. Despite submissions made by the associations to this effect, the government had not fully addressed their request for representation in ULBs.

"This shutter down is not anti-government," Muru said. "We are only exercising our democratic rights. It is going to be voluntary." He stated that such initiatives shall not disrupt essential services such as healthcare and public transport.

Dr. Seyievilie Mor will serve as a vice-chairperson, with Jabou Sekhose, Dorothy Chang among others taking up respective posts. The shutdown decision marks an ongoing issue with the state government's unwillingness to fulfill the requests made by trade bodies in Nagaland regarding representation in urban local councils.