NPCC party workers during a protest held at Super Market in Dimapur on May 30.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 30
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on May 30 staged a protest at Super Market in Dimapur, against the recent increase in petrol, diesel and LPG cylinder prices, accusing the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the State of burdening citizens with rising costs.
The protest, organised by the NPCC Communication Department, was attended by party leaders, workers, youth and supporters.
Addressing the gathering, NPCC Communication Department Chairman Meshenlo Kath said the protest was being organised in response to growing public hardship caused by rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living.
Kath held that the issue went beyond fuel prices and reflected broader concerns facing Nagaland, including unemployment, corruption and public dissatisfaction. Describing Nagaland as an “opposition-less government,” he argued that the absence of a strong opposition had weakened accountability and called on citizens, particularly the youth, not to remain silent on issues affecting their daily lives.
He further appealed to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and senior party leaders to strengthen the Congress in Nagaland, stating that the party must actively play the role of an opposition despite having no MLA in the State.
NPCC Working President C Apok Jamir said the protest was not just a party programme but a response to the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens due to rising fuel and cooking gas prices.
He alleged that increasing taxes on petroleum products had driven up transportation costs and the prices of essential commodities, affecting people from all walks of life.
Claiming that fuel prices had not fallen in line with global crude oil prices, Jamir accused the BJP-led government of prioritising the interests of a few over those of the general public. He urged citizens, civil society organisations and elected representatives to raise their voices and press for a reduction in fuel and LPG prices.
X Chophika Sumi, State President of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) questioned the BJP-led government’s handling of rising fuel and LPG prices, alleging a disconnect between the government's statements and the realities faced by the public. He said inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living were placing increasing pressure on households and called on young people to be politically conscious and speak up on public issues.
Kuhoto Chishi, President of the Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC), raised concerns over the intensified financial burden on families.
He also criticised the state government's taxation on petroleum products and called for an immediate rollback of the hikes, stating that the issue affected all sections of society.
Meanwhile, NPCC General Secretary Sethrongkyu Sangtam questioned the Centre's fuel pricing policies and referred to past debates surrounding oil bonds and petroleum taxation.
The protestors called on both the Central and State governments to reduce taxes on petroleum products and provide relief to consumers.
It appealed to citizens, civil society organisations and community bodies to collectively raise concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living.
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