Kohima: The Business Owners Forum of Nagarjan in Dimapur is pushing back against the United Colony Council of Ward 20. The council recently passed a resolution banning all business unions and associations within the colony. The forum called the move arbitrary and a direct violation of constitutional rights.
BOF members reported being on the receiving end of threats. They claimed individuals linked to the council used intimidation tactics against shopkeepers who joined the forum. "Pressure, verbal threats and hostile language had no place in a lawful and civil process," the forum stated in a press release. They want these hostile actions to end immediately.
The forum maintains that membership is strictly voluntary. They argue that the council is overstepping its authority by ignoring the distinction between traditional village systems and modern urban administration. The UCC, registered on December 19, 2006, operates under Indian law rather than traditional customary practices protected by Article 371A. Because the forum exists in a commercial setting, they assert that the right to form associations under Article 19(1)(c) remains absolute.
Local leadership should focus on real problems instead. The BOF urged the council to prioritize enforcement against illegal activities and violations of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act. The forum vowed to continue its operations despite the resolution. They called on the UCC to drop the mandate, but remained open to talking through legitimate concerns using lawful methods.
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