Guwahati: In a bid to protest giving protection money to the underground groups, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industries (CNCCI) has started an indefinite shutdown of businesses across the state from Saturday.
The city of Dimapur started the shutdown on Friday and on Saturday it started across the state
According to CNCCI the harassment of the business community over extortion cannot be tolerated any further.
The forum urged the government to take immediate steps to stop the “unabated” extortions, intimidations and summons by the underground groups.
The entire state of Nagaland wore a deserted look on Saturday as most of the business establishments and shops were closed.
The CNNCI said that banks, educational institutions, government offices and hospitals have been kept outside the purview of the shutdown.
State Home Commissioner Vikeyie Kenya said that it has “come to the notice” of the government that “rampant collection of taxes” from businesses, particularly in Dimapur, by various groups, most of which have signed ceasefire agreements with the government, has created an unbearable situation.
“Such activities reflect adversely on the law enforcing agency as well as on the state government,” he said, directing the police to take stringent measures.
According to CNCCI, the indefinite shutdown will keep going on as long as the government does not take any satisfactory steps.