Kohima: Dimapur businesses are bleeding money. Local buyers are crossing the border into Assam, flocking to markets in Lahorijan, Khatkhati, and Bokajan to avoid inflated prices at home. This mass exit stems from illicit syndicates that arbitrarily control the supply and cost of essential food items like eggs, potatoes, and garlic. The local economy is stalling.
The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation and local Gaonbura groups met with non-Naga civil society leaders on July 11 to address the drain. They want the syndicate system destroyed. GBUDS President K Hokuto Zhimomi laid out the damage during the meeting. "Actually, regarding the syndicate system—whether it is for chili, garlic, potato, cabbage, or eggs—there should not be a syndicate. Just for the benefit of one family, lakhs and lakhs of the public suffer and face hardships when buying these goods," Zhimomi said.
The city's business sector relies heavily on non-Naga residents. DUCCF President Zasivikho Zakiesato pushed for the meeting to stabilize the local economy. While hard data on the consumer drain remains thin, organizers want the state to task its economists with verifying the extent of the losses. Leaders are also coordinating with the district administration and Dimapur Municipal Council to clamp down on unfair price hikes.
Beyond business, the assembly addressed the strain of a floating population on city resources and ongoing issues with the Inner Line Permit system. Attendees also voiced frustration over the endless monetary collections enforced by various unions. Organizers plan to keep these consultations going to build a more stable, cohesive city framework.
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