Dimapur, May 18 -- Despite a last-minute appeal from the Nagaland state government, nine district chambers of commerce and industries (DCCIs) have decided to proceed with their indefinite voluntary business shutdown across their respective districts starting Monday, May 19.

The decision follows the government's plea on Friday, May 17, to the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), the umbrella body for 11 DCCIs in the state, to halt the protest and maintain a conducive environment.

The shutdown will affect the nine districts of Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek, Tseminyu, and Meluri.

Making the announcement at a press conference here on Sunday, CNCCI president Khekugha Muru said t...