Ukhrul, May 05 2009: Business activities in Ukhrul headquarters came to a complete halt till noon today following the agitation of Tangkhul Leisak Long (TLL) and other businessmen launched against the alleged excess of TMNL volunteers in dealing especially with selling of contaminated and expired goods in the town.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, the convenor of TLL, district's apex business body Thotshang Shaiza said, the sensitisation drive initiated by TMNL to clean up Ukhrul district from selling of goods and eatables which are not fit for human consumption is appreciable, however, the manner in which activists of the youth council deal with such matter lacks sincerity and honesty, the convenor added.

Resenting the alleged excess of TMNL activists, Thotshang maintained that they (the activists) have been indulging into practices like illegal imposition of huge amount of fine which are of beyond the bearing of shop owners.

For instance, out of the 9 shops closed down by the youth council, 7 shops have remained completely closed since yesterday in the failure to pay the imposed fine, the convenor cited.

According to official sources, TMNL activists have been forcefully taking loan at the amount ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 20000 from some of the non-local businessmen.

In this connection a joint meeting of TLL and non-local shop owners was convened today.

The meeting resolved that TMNL should return all the money taken as fine and other goods confiscated from the shops within 24 hours, failing which, the joint body would not restrain itself from indulging into intense agitation.

On the other hand, TMNL president, Zanyo Varam stated that besides serving notice in the daily newspapers about the drive that would be initiated by the youth council, all the shops latter booked by TMNL were given prior information and warning.

Out of the nine shops closed down earlier, three of them have apologised for their misdeeds, Zanyo claimed.

After the failure of the Consumers Club Ukhrul to work effectively, TMNL has initiated the drive to ensure that goods and other eatables are sold as per the guidelines of MRTP under Consumers Protection Act 1986, he asserted.

Meanwhile, sources informed that the TNL (Tangkhul apex body) has served an explanation call to TMNL in this regards.

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