DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has strongly objected to four resolutions issued by NSCN/FRGN, saying directives on Sunday observance, liquor prohibition, drug control and the closure of non-local businesses risked infringing on individual freedom, lawful livelihoods and peaceful coexistence.
In a press release, NCD president GK Rengma and general secretary Peter Anal said religious observance should remain a matter of personal choice, noting that many business establishments voluntarily close during church service hours.
The council maintained that faith and mutual respect should be upheld through understanding rather than coercion.
On the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, NCD said it had been spearheading efforts to review the law’s implementation in Dimapur district.
It said findings from research and case studies had been shared with the public and civil society organisations through consultative meetings, adding that differing positions taken by the Church and the implementing department warranted public scrutiny.
On drug control, NCD said police were already pursuing a zero-tolerance approach against drug peddlers, while village councils and colonies remained vigilant. It called for collective action that translated advocacy into effective measures. The council strongly condemned the directive ordering non-local business establishments to close their operations in different jurisdictions and phases, arguing that it threatened the rights of bona fide Indian citizens and undermined equality and coexistence.
It also warned that such actions could fuel racial discrimination against Naga students and employed youths living outside the state. Citing Mizoram as an example of business cooperation, NCD said local entrepreneurship should be strengthened through mutual support and fair competition rather than exclusion.
It alleged that the proliferation of 37 Naga political groups (NPGs), along with interference in production, transportation, market syndicates and monopolistic practices, had constrained local enterprise and economic growth.
The council said the resulting lack of opportunities had compelled many Naga youth to seek employment outside the state to support their families.
NCD urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate cognisance of NSCN/FRGN statement and initiate preventive measures to ensure that no individual or business was threatened, harassed or forced to stop lawful operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, harmony and public welfare, the council called upon civil society organisations, the Church and Naga political groups to focus on their respective core responsibilities and objectives.
NCD also warned that it would not tolerate extortion, hooliganism or intimidation during the festive season. Th council urged citizens facing threats or harassment to report them through the following numbers: 8729875697, 9436004066, 9612121111, 9856854925, 9862588719 and 9862056203.
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