DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 14 (MExN): The Statewide daily bandh called by the JCC and the NTAC passed off peacefully on its second day with no untoward incidents reported. Business establishments downed shutter and movement of pedestrians and vehicles were restricted during the bandh periods. Government establishments remain closed and movement of government vehicles continue to be restricted indefinitely. The bandh will continue on February 15, with some districts changing their range of exemptions and timing of the bandhs. Dimapur Bandh from 9:00am to 4:00pm The Joint Coordination Committee informed that in Dimapur, the timing of the bandh on February 15 will be from 9:00am to 4:00pm. A press note from the JCC informed that vehicles on exam duty will be strictly restricted to those with students onboard only. “The vehicles ferrying will not be allowed to return without the student, hence all drivers are requested to bear with the inconvenience by waiting at the school premises. No government vehicles will be allowed to ferry students,” it added. Informing that the JCC and DUCCF will have a joint meeting at Chakesang community Hall at 1:00pm on Wednesday, it asked volunteers to exempt those attending the meeting. It also denied the request of Nagaland GB federation to hold consultative meeting in Dimapur “due to the volatile situation prevailing in the state.” The JCC further resolved that volunteers are restricted from moving around from their designated location in order to avoid confusion, with the exception of JCC media cell personnel and their vehicles. It meanwhile “directed” telecom operators to immediately restore data and internet services or “face consequences.” AYO to continue bandh in Kohima In Kohima, the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) has unanimously decided to continue the bandh indifinitely. A press note from the AYO however listed several exemptions, which include: fire service, medical, students appearing exams, police stations, administration, media, NBSE/NPSC, para-military and power sub-stations. It further cautioned hotels from “harbouring or entertaining political parties or government departments for official meetings and office work.” If in case any such activities are discovered, the hotel administrations shall be held entirely responsible, it warned. Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Wokha and Tseminyu bandh from 9am to 3pm In Mokokchung, the bandh will continue tomorrow from 9:00am to 3:00pm with the same exceptions as before. The Sumi Hoho (SH) has meanwhile resolved to give relaxation during bandh hours under Zunheboto district to educational institutions, medical services, fire services, police on duty, banks, postal services, electrical field staff and media houses. This was informed in a press note from the Sumi Hoho. In Wokha as well, the Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee informed that the bandh will continue on February 15 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. In Tseminyu, Rengma Selo Zi (Rengma Youth Organisation) President Kenneth Kath informed that the bandh will be imposed on February 15 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. “We will ensure all possible help and we want to appeal the students’ community not to panic. This bandh is a movement for social change. Students should take it as a challenge to empower themselves for social change,” stated Kath. CKS to intensity bandh For Tuensang, the Chang Tribal Council (Chang Khulei Setshang) informed that it would intensify the ongoing bandh to a total indefinite bandh from February 15 onwards from 9:00am to 3:00pm. However, administration/ students appearing board examination/private & govt vehicles on exam duty/invigilators/police/para military force/medical/ fire & emergency service have been exempted from the purview of the bandh, a notification addressed to the Deputy Commissioner Tuensang informed. The Confederation of Chang Students’ Union (CCSU) has been empowered to supervise the volunteering activities.
