DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 16 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council has condemned the action of the Dimapur Police where water cannon and tear gas were used on peaceful protestors in the rally called by the ACAUT on December 15.
A press note from the NTC stated that “such police action is highly uncalled for.” “It is the basic fundamental right under the Constitution of India for any group of people to assemble peacefully and express its rights and democratically protest. There was absolutely no need to use brutal forces to suppress innocent citizens who were voicing against corruption. Using of suppressive action upon peaceful protestors has created bad precedence,” it said.
Stating that the government’s use of force to suppress the voice of the people is “highly objectionable and condemnable by everyone,” the NTC further noted that imposing of Section 144 CrPC “by giving a flimsy excuse of saying it was a festive season is unbecoming when situation never warranted invoking such stringent law.” It reminded that ACAUT had clearly announced for the conduct of a peaceful rally and not to disturb nor create any kind of violence.
The NTC advised that it should be the endeavor of the State Government to institute enquiry into the alleged illegal operations and “not resort to suppressing people’s freedom to express its resentment over corruption.” “If the official representative of the people acts as anti-state and protect the culprits, where will the citizens turn to for justice and fair delivery?” it questioned.
