Kohima, November 28 (MExN): In the backdrop of the alleged assault on one GB by the bodyguards of Congress MLA Kejong Chang in PWD Colony on November 27, the MLA today strongly refuted the cause of the incident and clarified that it was not him but the public who started the whole incident.
Expressing hurt at the reported new that appeared in the local dailies, Kejong Chang clarified that at around 4:45 pm, when he entered the PWD colony there was a commotion going amongst the people repairing road along with a mini-tata unloading sand and gravels blocking the road.
Kejong Chang said that he stopped his vehicle for around 25 to 30 minutes; since he was getting late; his guard went and asked the workers to make way for the vehicle to pass through. However, one of the worker, Moaba from Mongsenyimti village came forward and challenged, “VIP or anyone...we won’t let anyone cross the road.” The other people present at the site intervened and made Kejong pass, the MLA said.
The MLA said that while on their way back, the public were waiting for him armed with stones and sticks. They halted him and threatened him saying, “Who is the MLA we won’t let you go”, “we will destroy the vehicle”, “who is the MLA?”, “Come out” etc. Kejong said that the mob, particularly a GB who was not in his uniform, forced him out of the vehicle, as a result of which his bodyguards were compelled to intervene and push the GB back, after which the crowd shouted that the bodyguard was assaulting the GB. However, the MLA refuted the report that his bodyguard pointed the gun at the GB, and said that his bodyguard was simply performing his duty and took out his gun to protect the MLA from the mob.
The MLA also asserted that there were no signboards to indicate men at work and nor was the GB in uniform. “If no vehicle were to pass through, then they should have set up a sign board and moreover the GB should also be in uniform while performing action,” he said. “I am an old man of 82 years and how can a public leader beat up the public?” he questioned and added that he came down to Dimapur to his vehicle and meet relatives. Kejong Chang said that he has no grudge against the people there in Dimapur, however, he said that the incident has really insulted him.
“They have not insulted Kijong but they have insulted the Nagaland Legislative Assembly” he said and added that if the people withdraw their case filed against him, he would also withdraw the case against them. “I will file case against them if they don’t apologize but if they apologize, I will certainly forgive them” the MLA said
