Shops, business establishments closed in 12-hour protest in Aizawl

AIZAWL: Shops and business houses downed shutters in Aizawl today due to a 12-hour protest called by Mizoram Merchant Association opposing Licensing Regulations, 2012 of Aizawl Municpal Corporation.

Even street hawkers including meat and vegetable sellers were nowhere to be seen in the town. The traders are opposing the Licensing Regulations apprehending it would allow non-tribals to engage in business resulting in economic assimilation of the Mizos.

The association has the support of the influential social organisation Coordination Committee. The Aizawl Municipal Council authorities, however, said insisting on tribal certificate from the applicants, as was being demanded, would be unconstitutional.