Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants a total rethink of the Saturday Bazaar at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee. They sent a formal request to the Deputy Commissioner on July 30. The market was supposed to help local farmers. It has become a general store for outsiders instead.
Traders from outside Nagaland now flood the area. They sell hardware, garments, and household goods. This guts local businesses that pay high rent and taxes. Registered shops struggle to stay afloat. They deal with electricity bills, trade fees, and worker wages while temporary sellers undercut their prices.
The chamber says the weekly turnover hits over Rs. 1 crore. Most of that cash leaves the state. This stifles local growth and hurts entrepreneurs. The group wants the market to stick to its original agricultural roots. They demand better regulation for out-of-state sellers to keep things fair. The chamber insists they do not want to stop trade, but they need a level playing field. They clarified their stance on the matter: "The chamber stated that it was not opposed to trade but insisted that commerce must be encouraged within a fair and well-regulated system that protects genuine local businesses."
The WDCCI warned the administration to act fast. Business owners might start peaceful protests if the issues stay ignored.
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