NPCC Minority Dept seeks clarity on Sunday closure

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Minority Department has urged the state government to clarify the authenticity, legal status and implementation of a reported October 23 directive calling for Sunday shop closures, while appealing to traders to respect Nagaland’s Christian values.In a press statement, it said the issue should be addressed through “dialogue, mutual respect and the rule of law,” while recognising “Nagaland’s distinct cultural and religious values.” It stated that “Nagaland’s Christian heritage and the importance of Sunday as a day of worship, rest and family life deserve sincere respect.” It also appealed to traders and business establishments to “show sensitivity to the faith and customs of the people of the state.”The NPCC Minority Department said it “extends its cooperation and encourages businesses, wherever practicable, to observe Sunday closure in a spirit of goodwill, understanding and respect for Christian values.” However, it noted that the reported directive may have created “doubt, uncertainty and panic among traders and business establishments.” It urged the state government and concerned authorities to issue a “clear and timely clarification on the directive’s authenticity, legal status, scope and implementation.”“No business owner is left to act on rumours or fear,” it stated, while urging traders to “remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and seek guidance from competent authorities.” The NPCC Minority Department also stressed that measures affecting livelihoods must be “lawful, fair and implemented with due process.”It said Indian citizens and linguistic minorities who have “lived and worked in Nagaland for generations contribute to the state’s social and economic life,” adding that “their dignity, safety and lawful livelihoods must be respected.”  “Concerns should be addressed through dialogue and lawful procedures, not intimidation, arbitrary exclusion or discrimination based on origin,” the statement said.It urged all concerned to “preserve peace, refrain from inflammatory statements and cooperate in finding a practical arrangement” that respects Christian values while protecting livelihoods. “Respect for Nagaland’s culture and Christian values must go hand in hand with dignity, reassurance, lawful opportunity and sustainable development for every lawful resident,” it added.