Kohima: The Street Vendors Association Nagaland is taking a stand. They plan to file police cases against anyone demanding illegal taxes from registered traders. President Kughato Zhimo announced the move during a June 25 gathering in Dimapur. The association intends to fight back against extortion, harassment, and forced evictions.
Vendors face pressure from both state officials and extra-legal groups. Zhimo noted that Dimapur hosts over 15,000 vendors who often lack knowledge about their legal rights. He stated, "If they extort, and if the vendor is a proper registered vendor, they can go directly and file an FIR against them."
The group is now rushing to formalize more traders. This push includes hundreds of second-hand clothing sellers and daily wage earners arriving from nearby Assam districts like Bokajan and Karbi Anglong. Proper paperwork remains the primary shield against trouble.
BJP Dimapur Unit President Shekishe Achumi highlighted existing laws at the meeting. He pointed to the Street Vendors Act of 2014 and Nagaland state rules from 2019 as legal backstops. These laws protect vending as a legitimate job and mandate specific zones for trade. Achumi reminded the crowd that street vending provides essential sustenance and dignity. He also highlighted the PM SVANidhi scheme, which provides credit up to Rs 50,000.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing the effort. Vice President Shikuto Sema confirmed that the chamber brought the association under its umbrella to help organize local operations. They want to ensure vendors follow the rules in exchange for full institutional support.
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