KOHIMA, Oct 25: The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has sought an explanation from the Nagaland government over a directive attributed to the NSCN/FRGN calling for shops to remain closed on Sundays and businesses operated by non-Naga people to shut down.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the trade body demanded a formal investigation into the directive and urged the government to initiate legal action if it was found to have been issued without lawful authority. It also sought a public assurance that the elected government retained control over the state’s administration and would protect businesses operating legally in Nagaland.
The CNCCI asked the government to clarify its position on the matter and disclose the steps taken in response to the directive.
While acknowledging the importance of religious observances and a weekly day of rest for employees, the chamber argued that these considerations should not be used to impose a blanket ban on commercial activities.
Reiterating its “Naga First” principle, the organisation said it had consistently supported Naga entrepreneurs but maintained that promoting local businesses should not lead to the exclusion of other communities from lawful economic activities.
The trade body warned that restrictions targeting businesses on ethnic grounds could undermine investor confidence and aggravate communal tensions. It noted that Naga entrepreneurs also operated outside the state, supplying goods and services across India and to international markets, and stressed that economic growth depended on broader commercial engagement.
The CNCCI also urged the NSCN/FRGN to focus on the Naga political issue rather than intervene in matters beyond its stated objectives.
With the festive season underway, the organisation said it did not want the dispute to inconvenience the public but warned that it might take its own course of action if the government failed to respond promptly.
