Kohima, April 13 (MExN): The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on Wednesday lamented the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC near the Manipur border by the District Magistrate of Senapati district on April 6, stating that it “directly affects the land of Southern Angamis.”
“The incapacitated action of the District Magistrate Senapati is unreasonable, misleading and provocative of peaceful coexistence between the neighbouring villages,” SAYO President Metekhrielie Mejura and General Secretary Metevizo Sophie stated in a press release, adding that the SAYO had suspended the indefinite National Highway bandh in its jurisdiction owing to the Angami Public Organisation’s (APO) Golden Jubilee Celebration.
“No forces whatsoever, internally or externally are responsible in keeping the bandh in abeyance except to honourably extend our sincere respect to Angami Public Organization (APO),” it added.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 empowers an executive magistrate of any state or territory to issue an order, prohibiting the people from assembling at one place or organising any such event or programme where a gathering of five or more people can be expected.
In the press release, SAYO reiterated that the bandh suspension came in view of the resolution and assurance given by the Tenyimi People's Organisation (TPO) on March 29, “as to honour and respect the customary practice of resolving disputes by the highest decision-making body of the Tenyimi People.”
The SAYO argued that until the dispute is resolved by the TPO, “there is no reason to impose Section 144 of the CrPC citing apprehension of law and order near Manipur Boundary.”
“Consequently, the SAYO is determined to take precautionary measures and compelled to impose ‘No Entry restriction’ in Dzükou Valley and Kezoltsa against encroaching parties from the state of Manipur till further notice,” the release stated, while cautioning that the SAYO would initiate its own course of action against illegal trespassers in case of failure to comply to the restrictions.
“Being the custodian of the Dzükou Valley and Kezoltsa, the SAYO will take all necessary steps to defend and protect its ancestral land,” it maintained.
Further, the SAYO appealed to the Manipur Government to take steps in revoking Section 144 of the CrPC from the said area, and to meet its demands regarding “withdrawing the Armed Personnel and its remnants from Kezoltsa to maintain lasting peace and tranquillity among the people.”
