• Total bandh in Kohima & Medziphema on January 9
• Vehicle movement restricted in Kohima & Medziphema
• No restriction on highway vehicular movement
KOHIMA, JANUARY 7 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) today resolved to launch a public movement against what it claimed was the “total lack of self-respect and irresponsible complacency on the part of the Nagaland government,” with regard to the upcoming ULB elections with 33% women’s reservation. A press note from the AYO President, Neinguvoto Krose and Vice President, Peter Rutsa informed that as part of the move, strict imposition of total bandh will be imposed in Kohima and Medziphema on January 9 from 7:00am to 3:30pm.
While business establishments have been asked to close down, and pedestrian and vehicular movements within Kohima and Medziphema are totally restricted, highway vehicular movement will not be restricted. There are no travel restrictions on Wokha, Phek and Imphal highways. Vehicles moving between Dimapur to Imphal have been directed to take paramedical-Jail colony-New ministers hill-Cathedral-Lerie road. Colony youths along these routes are to guide travellers.
Vehicles traversing between Dimapur-Wokha-Phek are directed to take Naga Hospital-Naga Bazaar-Census Office-New Sect-Kohima College-DBS route.
Exemptions have also been made for medical purposes, paramilitary forces, media and district administration only. The AYO further stated that police in private and government vehicles won’t be allowed to ply.
The AYO said this move has been initiated in response to what it claimed as the state government’s failure to address and resolve the issue and extending the deadline for filing of nominations till January 9. It asked all to “join against injustice and to defend democratic values of fairness and freedom.”
It further stated that in due course of time, “necessary action shall be initiated against the defaulters with regard to Chumoukedima as per the resolution so established.”
Apart from villages, the AYO asked all colony youths and members to be present for the day by enforcing total bandh in their respective colonies. It further solicited taxi, bus and truck unions to “contribute by sacrificing your valued assets for the day.” The AYO also appealed to hospitals in Kohima to assist in case of “emergency”.
Informing that the Angami Public Organisation (APO) is scheduled to meet the Chief Minister on Sunday, the AYO however informed that it has “resolved and activated all our assets and resources towards this end.”
January 7 total bandh hits normal life
Normal life came to a standstill in the state capital Kohima today following a total bandh call given by Angami Youth Organization (AYO) in Kohima Municipality under Kohima district and Chumukedima and Mediziphema Town Councils, both under Dimapur district. Business establishments and government offices also remained shut through the day but normalcy returned right after the end of bandh period at 3:30 PM, official reports said.
In state capital Kohima, the bandh was total and by and large peaceful. All business establishments downed shutter, pedestrian and vehicular movements were totally restricted during the bandh. No untoward incident has been reported.
The AYO had deployed volunteers in all the strategic locations and points restricting the movement of vehicles and even pedestrians while the Kohima and Dimapur district administration had also positioned police and personnel of Indian Reserve Battalion to thwart any incident, the reports said.
AYO stated that the total bandh was enforced to “avoid any unfortunate event on the final day of the filing of nominations to the municipal elections.”
Later, addressing the gathering near DC office, APO president Dr. Vilhousa Saleyi affirmed that the APO will continue to fight and stand by its decision and further sought cooperation from each and every individuals. He thanked all the volunteers for responding to the call of APO for five days and look forward their continuous support. “We are so encourage by your participation,” he told the gathering.
