Kohima: The East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) issued a call for local businesses to keep their doors open on Sundays after 12 noon. The mandate covers pharmacies, petrol pumps, bakeries, hotels, and street food vendors. Officials claim public health and safety demand access to these services. They warned that shops with valid trade licences should operate without interference. The EDTC added, "without any undue obstruction or interference from any individual/organization/group/association." They expect all local groups to stand down and stop issuing directives that block these essential providers.
Confusion remains high. The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Minority Department fired back on October 26. They want the state government to verify the legal status of an October 23 order demanding Sunday closures. The committee worries the rumors are causing panic among traders. They urged the state to step in. Business owners need to know if they must shut their shops or if they can work in peace.
The NPCC also called for a middle ground. They asked businesses to respect Nagaland's Christian heritage and the sanctity of Sunday. They also demanded the government ensure that all regulations protect the dignity and safety of minority residents who have lived in the state for generations. The committee insists that all policies affecting livelihoods follow strict due process. Officials must choose dialogue over intimidation.
Updated at 27th October 2026 at 1:50pm
The council explicitly linked its stance to its mandate for public health and sanitation. It stressed that its push for open doors is a matter of basic public convenience and welfare.
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