• Terms govt’s response as ploy to bluff the people
• Dimapur bandh to continue
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 2
The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) while reiterating the 3-point ‘Public Demand’ rebuffed the state government’s decision declaring the ULB election process “null and void” and the transfer of incumbent Commissioner of Police, Dimapur.
JCC co-convenor, Vekhosayi Nyekha, termed the government’s move as “bluffing the public.” “We have not asked for the Commissioner’s (of Police) transfer. It’s a ploy to bluff the public,” Nyekha told the media. Stating that bandh in Dimapur will continue till the government fulfils the 3-point demand, Nyekha said that the district administration and the police will also not be allowed to function henceforth.
He requested bandh volunteers to respect the bandh exemptions published earlier (media, medical personnel, newpaper hawkers, students appearing for exams, patients alongwith attendants, para military) and volunteers were also asked to allow NBCC delegates proceeding to Peren for the NBCC’s 80th Annual Council.
While extending support to the NTAC formed today, the JCC urged apex tribe organisations to pressure the government to immediately step down. It acknowledged the APO and Ao Senden demands asking Angami and Ao legislators to resign; and the CPO’s support to the JCC. The JCC further requested the neighbouring states to bear with the inconvenience resulting from the agitation.
The situation in Dimapur remained tense. While the municipal area remained largely calm, the area beyond Purana Bazaar, particularly the immediate surroundings of NH 29, continued to experience heightened tension. There was no sign of police personnel between 3rd Mile and Chumukedima as bandh volunteers stood vigil and additional road blocks set up at the highway.
Mourning period to continue in Mokokchung
The mourning period in the Ao territory passed off peacefully without any untoward incident on Thursday. All shops, offices and education institutions remained closed while there was no vehicular movement. The Ao Senden declared that the mourning period will continue through Friday with the same restrictions. Further, the Senden noted that it will not discuss any issues during the state of mourning.
Partial bandh in Wokha today
The Lotha Hoho Wokha informed that there would be bandh on government offices and government vehicles in Wokha town beginning February 3. It informed that businesses and public movement would not be affected, while also stating that the bandh would continue till the demands of the JCC are fulfilled.
