Indefinite bandh in protest against recovery in Nagaland, life comes to a standstill; People are reaching Assam for goods

Markets and offices remained closed indefinitely in Nagaland on Saturday in protest against extortion by the Naga political group. Due to this, the people here are facing a lot of problems. People are turning to neighboring states to buy essential goods. This has created competition among the people in Assam.

The commercial capital of Nagaland, Dimapur, witnessed a bandh. Subsequently, other districts joined the campaign at the invitation of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CNCCI). According to CNCI, extortion-related harassment directed towards the business community will not be accepted any longer. It has pushed for prompt action from the government to put an end to the groups' ongoing threats, extortion, and summonses.

Because all of the state's markets were closed, residents of Nagaland—particularly those who lived close to the Assamese state line—traveled to the neighboring state to purchase necessities. There are no limitations on the flow of traffic or people.

CNCI announced that the indefinite statewide lockdown will continue, but will be relaxed only for six hours from noon to 6 pm on Monday to allow the public to purchase essential commodities. CNCCI President Khekugha Muru said the decision was taken keeping in mind the fact that the bandh was imposed in many districts without informing the people. At the same time, banks, educational institutions, government offices, and hospitals have been kept out of the scope of the bandh.

State Home Commissioner Wikei Kenya has directed the police to take strict action as such activities reflect adversely on the law enforcement agency as well as the state government. He directed the district administration and police to keep an eye on the situation. Also, orders have been given to arrest those involved in extortion under the National Security Act.

Meanwhile, DCCI on Saturday submitted a five-point demand letter to the state government through the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur. DCCI demanded that the state government immediately clarify whether the taxation by NPG was legal or illegal. He also wondered whether the business community should pay the GST or the taxation of NPG. She also demanded that extortion and kidnapping should be dealt with quickly.