India, Feb. 4 -- Mizoram First, an advocacy group based in Aizawl, on Tuesday raised concerns over the growing dominance of non-local traders in the state's economy, describing the trend as a form of "economic subjugation."

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, the group's president, ZR Thahmingliana, said the group identified at least 122 shops operated by non-locals during a survey conducted across 24 neighbourhoods between Kulikawn and Zemabawk in Aizawl.

Although 76.2 per cent of these establishments are registered under Mizo names, the survey found that the workforce is entirely non-local, he said. According to Thahmingliana, this discrepancy suggests that actual profits are being diverted away from the local community.

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