Dimapur: The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) announced a 12-hour shutdown in all Naga-inhabited areas from August 2 at midnight. According to the order, there will be a closure of shops and business establishments in all Naga-inhabited areas till August 3 noon, the NSCN(IM) appealed to people, business groups, regional authorities, and civil society organisations to observe the shutdown.
The NSCN (I-M) called for the shutdown to register to protest against what it termed as the Government of India’s silence on the Framework Agreement signed six years ago. In a statement, the NSCN(I-M) said, Six years down the line, there is no positive response yet from the Government of India. The Nagas cannot be taken for a ride in this manner read the statement
The NSCN (I-M) has been holding negotiations with the central government since 1997 and the two sides signed a Framework Agreement in August 2015.
Attempts at bringing about lasting peace in Nagaland have stalled since June with NSCN(IM) opposing a bid by the central government from stopping it from collecting taxes. According to the Centre taxation is the sovereign right of the government and money collected by Naga groups as taxes amounted to extortion.
Inputs from PTI
