DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 15 (MExN): For the third day in a row, Nagaland came to a standstill for most of the day, with the JCC-NTAC bandh being observed state-wide.
While the bandh will continue as earlier in most districts, it was informed that there will be relaxation on public movement in Kohima and Phek starting February 16.
Bandh relaxations in Kohima, Phek
The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) while informing that the 9:00am to 3:00pm bandh would continue in Kohima, however stated that the list of exemptions has been extended.
A press note from the AYO informed that the exceptions include: fire service, hospitals, SP office & police stations, administration, banks, NBSE and any exam related establishments, NPSC, students appearing exam, para-military, power sub-stations, KMC and colony/ wards sanitary vehicles, business establishments & eateries, schools and colleges both private & govt, public transportation, central offices (postal services, accountant general, telecom & BSNL), PHE field staff for water supply, private vehicles, pedestrians, and media.
The restrictions on government vehicles and government offices remain. The same was also notified by the NTAC, stating that these exemptions are solely for Kohima.
The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) partially lifted bandh on public movement and its related daily activities due to ongoing NBSE examination in Phek district. A press note from the CYF however informed that all state government offices will remain sealed and government registered vehicles are strictly restricted from plying.
Bandh relaxations for CAN
The Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) has informed that the members of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) will be on the road beginning from February 17 travelling by various means of transportation, from various destinations and in various groups to and fro attending the Priestly Ordination of Deacon Obed Yimchunger on February 18 and Thanksgiving Holy Mass on February 19 at St. Paul’s Parish campers Pungro and St Alphonsa’s Church Vongwa, Kiphire respectively.
Therefore, all volunteers on duty under the guidance of NTAC, JCC as well as tribal organisations in their respective districts or at any location are directed to ensure that “no inconvenience is caused to the above mentioned party/parties and give smooth movement passage.
Also all members of the concerned teams are advised to carry copy of programme or any other such documents to substantiate the purpose of undertaking the journey along with identification to avoid “inconveniences and misunderstandings.”
It is also advised to make multiple copies (photocopy) of this movement permit for all concerned teams. Bandh to continue as before in other districts
Zunheboto: The Sumi Hoho meanwhile informed that the bandh in Zunheboto would continue indefinitely and asked the public to bear with the inconveniences. A press note from the Sumi Hoho said that the bandh on February 15 was held peacefully, with the NBSE exams being allowed to go ahead unhindered. It meanwhile assured full cooperation to examination centres and stated that “all possible care is taken to ensure that no form of harassment or fear psychosis is meted out to students and officials involved in the conduct of the examinations.”
Tuensang: The Chang Tribal Council and the Tuensang Village Citizen Union informed that bandh in the Tuensang area would continue till further notice. A joint statement from the two organisations further informed that vehicles entering and exiting from Tuensang town during bandh hours will not be allowed “except on serious case.”
Wokha: In Wokha the bandh will continue on February 15 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, as well the bandh will be imposed on February 15 from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Mokokchung: The Ao Senden JCC leaders today that the indefinite total bandh of Mokokchung would continue tomorrow from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with the same conditions and exemptions.
It was further informed that the ‘Car Pass’ issued earlier now stood invalid and that ‘Movement Permit’ for emergency cases would be issued by Ao Senden office. The Ao Senden further warned against the opening of government offices, and cautioned uniformed personnel not to use their authorized vehicles for personal duties.
The Ao Senden also asked vehicles ferrying students to exam centers to remain at the school premises adding that such vehicles will not be allowed to ply without students aboard. Ao Senden JCC also warned that some ‘intelligence agencies’ were masquerading as volunteers and relaying information to their higher ups. This, it warned, amounted to treachery and that such individuals shall be doing so at their own risk.
A press note from the Ao Senden informed that volunteers from all wards, land owner villages, all six ranges of Mokokchung as well as Eastern Naga People’s Union Mokokchung and Sumi Hoho Mokokchung participated in imposing the bandh on Wednesday. Despite the bandh, the NBSE exams were conducted smoothly. A total of 481 students appeared for the exams at MGHSS, 338 students at EDHSS and 211 students at Dilong GHS.
Further, Ao Senden JCC convenor A. Bendangnukshi Jamir informed all well wishers to assemble at Police Point at 6:00 am to attend the prayer fellowship called by the pastors of the 21 churches in and around Mokokchung town. He also thanked the various groups and individuals who have been sponsoring refreshment for volunteers during the bandh.
