ZCCI opposes FRGN 30-day ultimatum | Nagaland.News

ZUNHEBOTO – The Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) has opposed what it called a purported 30-day ultimatum by the NSCN/FRGN directing non-local business establishments in Nagaland to shut down, and urged the State government to take decisive action against intimidation.

In a press release issued on Oct. 31 by its president, Kikheto Muru, and vice president, Lhokiye Yepthomi, the chamber asked the government to issue a clear directive prohibiting the forced closure or obstruction of businesses through threats, intimidation or coercive orders issued outside the lawful governmental framework.

“No individual or organization should be permitted to take the law into their own hands, or impose arbitrary restrictions on legitimate commercial activities through intimidation, threat, or unilateral ultimatums,” the release said.

What the ZCCI wants from the government

Beyond a directive against forced closures, the chamber listed three demands:

• Legal and administrative action against individuals or groups found engaging in unlawful intimidation.
• Adequate protection for business owners, employees, customers and commercial properties.
• An accessible mechanism for traders to report threats and seek immediate assistance.

The ZCCI said it hoped the government would treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it warranted and take steps to safeguard the rights, security and legitimate interests of the business community.

Solidarity with CNCCI

The Zunheboto chamber expressed solidarity with the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI), the State’s apex trade body, which had earlier rejected the FRGN directive.

According to the ZCCI, the reported directive threatened the lawful operation of businesses and created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among traders.

The chamber acknowledged the importance of protecting the interests, identity and customary rights of Nagaland’s indigenous people. It maintained, however, that such concerns must be addressed through lawful, constitutional and duly established governmental mechanisms.

‘Fundamental rights’ and ease of doing business

The ZCCI said the reported directive raised serious concerns over citizens’ fundamental right to practise any profession and carry on lawful trade or business, a freedom guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. It added that the order undermined equality before the law, due process and the rule of law.

Coercive measures, the chamber said, ran contrary to the spirit of Ease of Doing Business, which seeks to promote entrepreneurship, generate employment and strengthen the economy, including that of indigenous people. A secure, predictable and lawful environment was essential for businesses to operate, it added.

Background: the FRGN order and its clarification

The NSCN/FRGN, in a press release dated Oct. 23, called for the closure of businesses on Sundays, backed prohibition under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, and declared zero tolerance for drug peddling and prostitution. Its fourth point said non-local individuals and businesses using the Naga name, identity or representation must stop doing so within 30 days.

On Oct. 29, the group issued a clarification saying the 30-day deadline had been “inadvertently placed” under that point and was meant for its call to eradicate drugs and prostitution. The clarification did not withdraw the Sunday closure call. The ZCCI release does not refer to the clarification.

The directive has also drawn a warning from the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups, which asked the FRGN to rescind it, apologise and disband within two weeks. The NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe) separately urged that commerce be regulated only through lawful, non-discriminatory means.

The NSCN/FRGN had not publicly responded to the ZCCI statement at the time of publication.

With inputs from The Morung Express.