Sit-in protest organized by ACAUT, PSAN at New Secretariat complex begins
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 15
Despite the Angami Public Organization (APO) declaring that it will not allow any form of protest or agitation under its jurisdiction, the sit-in protest called by the Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland and the Public Service Aspirants of Nagaland (PSAN) under the banner of Public Coordination Committee (PCC) began on November 15 at the New Secretariat Complex, Kohima.
The protest is being held to demand setting up of Lokayukta Bill at the earliest in toto, revoking the decision to scrap Class-III posts from the purview of the NPSC, declaring marks and answer keys in all stages of NPSC examination and declaration of waiting list, and immediate termination of all backdoor appointments made after June 6, 2016.
“We are not going home without the Lokayukta. We will sleep here,” vowed Joel Nillo Kath, member of ACAUT Nagaland who accused the bureaucrats and the politicians for failing to meet the aspirations of the people. Viewing that Nagaland is more a less a failed state, Kath reminded that the movement has been appealing for the implementation of the bill and had also written to the Chief Minister.
“Corruption is a disease that affects the future and our lives. Because of backdoor appointment most of you will not get jobs. Corruption is not just about siphoning money, it relates to the larger social issues. It is imperative that there should be checks and balances in the system,” stated Kath. He also stressed on long terms measures for positive change in Naga society, and appealed the young protestors for adopting the practice of clean election and choosing good leaders.
Most of the protestors who turned up at the New Secretariat complex on Wednesday were young people, holding placards, some of which read, “Smoking kills people, corruption kills the nation,” “Backdoor Appointment Murdabad,” “Enough of your scheming, conniving and collusive means,” etc.
The presence and support of the Church leaders from Kohima was also significant. Keviyiekielie Linyü, Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church reminded the protestors that the Church is not blind to what is going on in our land and the Church is not deaf to the cries of the young in Nagaland.
“Your pain is our pain. When you suffer we suffer too,” the Church leader said. He also assured the protestors that the Church too will be on the streets with the children on the just fight. Present at the protest were members from the Kohima Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) who assured their prayer support for the fight against corruption and the effort to bring out a cleaner and transformed system for Naga society.
“We have come to show our solidarity to any cause or movement that is just, noble, honest and genuine and to those that are working for the good of the public and for the best interest of the citizens of Nagaland,” said Vevo Phesao, KBYF who hoped that the voices of the protestors will be heard in ways that are peaceful, right and democratic.
NBCC Youth Secretary Vikuo Rhi stated that the church is also for the welfare of the people and the young generation. “Naga society needs healing in every field.” said Rhi who appealed the government to give a chance to Naga youth to lead a better life.
Meanwhile, the PSAN, while appreciating each and everyone who were a part of Wednesday’s protest, appealed to all the civil service aspirants, student bodies, colleges and right thinking citizens to come and show solidarity in the ongoing protest against corruption organized by the PCC.
“The ongoing sit-in protest under the theme ‘United Naga Voice Against Corruption’ should be considered as a personal battle by each right thinking individual of the state. All the ills that plague Nagaland today will not go away by itself. Until and unless the citizens raise a voice together, the selfish and corrupt leaders will remain deaf and blind towards the plight of the very own people who voted them to power,” a press note from PSAN read.
The PSAN also appreciated the Kohima Village Youth Organization (KVYO) for graciously volunteering to provide refreshments to the protesters in attendance on the second day of the protest tomorrow.
