The Mokokchung, Tuensang and Zunheboto districts of Nagaland are facing acute shortage of essential commodities following a ‘ban’ imposed by the Mariani Drivers’ Union in Assam. The Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce (MCC) has taken a serious note of the unwarranted ‘ban’ imposed on vehicles carrying essentials from Assam to Mokokchung, Tuensang and Zunheboto by the Mariani Drivers’ Union following assault of a driver near Changki village on May 28.

The MCC, in a meeting in Mokokchung viewed with concern the ‘audacity’ of the drivers’ union which might result in a feeling of hatred among the people of Assam and Nagaland.

According to a release by MCC president M. Bendangnukshi and general secretary Lanukaba, the matter could not be taken up as the driver who was assaulted did not inform the authorities in Nagaland.

It said at a meeting held between the MCC and upper Assam Chamber of Commerce at Jorhat last month it pledged for cooperation in inter-State trade. But the ‘thoughtless’ action of the drivers’ union had ruined the future prospect. The MCC urged all sections to discourage such action in the larger interest of both states.