Dimapur/Kohima, February 13 (MExN/IANS): What was left of ‘normal life’ came to a standstill in Nagaland today as it entered a phase of daily shutdowns by organizations calling for the resignation of Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang to resign. However, students will get to appear for their NBSE/CBSE exams from February 14.
“We will continue with our shutdown till the Chief Minister resigns,” NTAC Convenor K.T. Vielie told IANS. The state secretariat, state and central government offices, banks, educational institutions, shops, businesses remained closed, and there was no movement of public and private transport.
The National Highway-2 connecting Dimapur, the main commercial town of Nagaland with poll-bound state of Manipur, was also affected. Volunteers were seen picketing the road to prevent traffic movement and the government employees from attending their official duties.
“There has been no untoward incident during the shutdown hours as people refrained themselves from venturing into the streets,” Nagaland Police chief L.L. Doungel told IANS.
“Security forces were deployed along the National Highway-2 to ensure that there is a smooth movement of vehicles to Manipur. However, there were no movements of vehicles,” the police official said.
Doungel said the police were taking all precautions to ensure that there is no further breakdown of law and order. Mobile data services remained cut off since January 30.
Dimapur
The bandh enforced by JCC volunteers along the NH-29 stretch from Purana Bazar to Chumukedima passed off peacefully with no untoward incident till the time of filing this report. Hundreds of volunteers manned every major intersection along the highway to enforce the bandh. The volunteers put up barricades and road blocks including hume pipes, stones, upturned tables and bamboo.
At Diphupar Village junction and Sovima Village junction, many women volunteers in traditional attires were also present. At 6th Mile, volunteers displayed a signboard with messages, some of which read ‘Chief minister of Nagaland listen to the voice of the people’, ‘Preserve Article 371 (A) for which our forefathers fought’ and ‘MLAs of Nagaland where are your moral responsibilities?’
A sizeable number of police personnel, some in riot gear, were present between 3rd Mile and 2 ½ Mile, where the private residence of the chief minister is located. Police and IRB personnel were also seen patrolling the streets at regular intervals.
Within Dimapur city, volunteers were concentrated at Hotel Senti and Hotel Targopan junction, Khermahal junction, Nagarjan junction and Clock Tower junction.
Bandh in Dimapur on February 14 will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Kohima
In Kohima, the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) mobilized for the total bandh, that passed off without any untoward incident, with around 1500 volunteers spread over various locations of Kohima. Business establishments downed shutter, offices and schools were closed. Streets wore a deserted look as pedestrian and vehicular movements were restricted during the bandh from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Naga Peace Task Force, in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland Branch, was seen with first aid materials in two locations in Kohima.
Imposition of Section 144 CrPC in Old Ministers’ Hill area, Jail Colony and Raj Bhavan area is still in force. Bandh in Kohima on February 14 will be from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
In view of the NBSE examination, AYO today informed that students are exempted under the preview of the ongoing Bandh. As such, the under mentioned factors are completely exempted: Public transportation, bus, taxi, sumo and private vehicles are allowed to ply to meet the needs of the students undergoing exams. Shops have been requested to open after 3:00 PM to cater the needs of the public. Water carriers are exempted before 9:00 AM and after 3:00 PM.
Any department related to holding of exams are exempted. However, they are not allowed to use government vehicles, stated AYO media cell.
Meanwhile, the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) today reaffirmed its support towards the APO, AYO and NTAC. Briefing media persons on February 13, KVYO President Medozhatuo Rutsa said, “Under Kohima Village Council (KVC)’s guidance we have been working with and supporting the AYO and APO, and we will continue to give our support to the AYO, APO and NTAC.”
The KVYO has reiterated its stance on nonviolence during the bandh, and maintained that it will abide by AYO’s directives on the nonviolent bandh. However, it will oppose any violent act.
Phek
The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) today imposed total bandh in Phek district. CYF president Welete Kapfo said the bandh was observed peacefully at Phek, Pfutsero, Chozuba, Chetheba, Chizami and Sekruzu town. No untoward incident has been reported. Kapfo said the bandh will continue on February 14 from 6:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Zunheboto
The Sumi Hoho informed today that the bandh enforced in Zunheboto on Monday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm was peaceful with no untoward incident. Sumi Hoho, General Secretary, Vihuto Asumi informed that the enforcement of bandh which has been entrusted to Zunheboto Town Youth Organization would not hamper the movement of students appearing for exams whether NBSE or central board. The timing of the bandh would remain the same on Tuesday.
Mokokchung
The bandh in Mokokchung passed off without any untoward incident. The bandh timings and exemptions will remain the same on February 14.
Meluri
In compliance with the call made by the NTAC and JCC, the Pochury Hoho, Pochury Youth Association (PYA) and Müluo Shefüri Kügharü organized a total bandh on February 13 in all Pochury ‘jurisdiction’ from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm that was observed “successfully” without any untoward incident. This was informed in a press release from General Secretary of the PYA.
