JCC bandh and CrPC 144 still in force in Dimapur
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 1
Dimapur remained tense today in the aftermath of the January 31 unrest that resulted in two deaths and five wounded in police firing. Two parallel restrictions remained in force – the indefinite bandh called by the JCC and the prohibitory order promulgated under Cr.PC 144 by the district administration.
The day passed off without any untoward incidents, while a condolence service for the two youths, who fell to police firing, was conducted at the entrance to the Agri Expo, 4th Mile. It witnessed attendance of roughly 3000-4000 people.
While the Dimapur municipal area witnessed relatively moderate police presence, a heightened sense of nervousness prevailed beyond Purana Bazaar in the lead up to the condolence service.
Police deployment backed up by para military and army personnel was mostly concentrated between the Purana Bazaar-5th Mile stretch with a sizeable number of police personnel manning the 3rd Mile junction of the approach road leading to the Chief Minister’s Dimapur residence.
Beginning with the Diphupar village junction at 4th Mile, bandh volunteers and barricades dotted the highway even upto Chumukedima with no presence of police personnel except a few para military personnel.
The stretch from 6th Mile till 7th Mile became virtually impassable for vehicles as road blocks were set up every few metres by bandh volunteers. The materials used for barricading the highway ranged from boulders, rolls of woven bamboo strips, concrete rings to fallen trees and even a rundown autorickshaw.
A military convoy reportedly conducting flag march to restore public confidence was made to turn back towards town at 6th Mile as the road became impassable. One volunteer said that an officer alighted from one of the vehicles and trekked pass the barricades to get into another. The rest of the convoy turned back.
The stretch of the road became off limits to most vehicles taking the route, Nagaland government vehicles in particular.
The barricades were briefly set aside in the afternoon to make way for the funeral procession carrying the mortal remains of the two youths to Kohima.
Meanwhile, it was informed that one of the injured identified as Nokuzo and who was under intensive care, underwent surgery this morning. His condition was stated to be stable.
Sporadic incidents of violence in Kohima and Mokokchung
Kohima and Mokokchung experienced sporadic incidents of violence during the day. In Kohima, two vehicles were torched as the town observed the 8:00 am-3:00 pm bandh called by the Angami Youth Organisation and waited to receive the funeral procession of the two youths, who fell to police firing in Dimapur. The incidents occurred at the High School junction and at PR Hill.
The 8:00am-4:00 pm bandh called by the Ao Senden in Mokokchung was marred by sporadic incidence of violence as youth volunteers vandalised the district Deputy Commissioner’s office, NPF Mokokchung Division office and the district Election office. The bandh culminated with burning of effigies of Chief Minister TR Zeliang and NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie.
It was around 4:30 pm when the vandalism occurred. An improvised explosive device reportedly exploded inside the NPF office. There was no report of any casualty.
Mokokchung bandh on Feb 2
Meanwhile, the Ao Senden declared that Mokokchung will observe a ‘mass mourning day’ on February 2 as a mark of respect to the two deceased youths. All shops, offices and institutions will remain closed and vehicular movements will be restricted, which will start from 9:00 AM and will continue till the burial service at Kohima.
Ao Senden further informed citizens of Mokokchung to assemble at the main town to join in the mass mourning. Further, Ao Senden informed that it will initiate “befitting course o
f action” against Kangtsung and Merangkong villages for going against the former’s resolution on the ULB elections. Watsü Mungdang to withdraw from JACWR
The Watsü Mungdang also held an emergency meeting today and resolved to withdraw from the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR).
Longleng and Phek calm
Longleng town was stated to be calm following the unrest of January 31. It was informed that all 33 candidates for the Longleng Town Council Polls “withdrew” today.
The bandh, called by the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) in the Chakhesang region of Phek district, passed off with no report of untoward incidents. CYF president Welete Kapfo said the bandh was observed peacefully at Phek town, Pfutsero, Chozuba, Chetheba and Sekruzu.
