Even as the confusion ensued over whether the total bandh called by at least 19 Dimapur-based college students unions would be observed in Dimapur on June 5, 2019, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) have expressed stiff opposition to the proposed total bandh.
The student bodies affiliated to All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) Tuesday announced that they would impose indefinite total bandh in Dimapur starting June 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. until ANCSU’s charter of demands were fulfilled by the state government.
In a joint press release, the unions, however, informed that educational institutions, paramilitary forces, emergency services, medical, police personnel, administration and press media would exempted from the purview of the total bandh.
DCCI: Reacting to the proposed indefinite Dimapur bandh called by ANCSU from June 5, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has said it will not allow any bandh without prior notice or intimation and has directed all shops and business establishments in Dimapur to open and not to be pressurised to close.
DCCI has also informed the district administration and Police in Dimapur that the business community will carry on activities as usual and to ensure adequate security arrangements. DCCI said the fight between ANCSU and the Directorate of HTE was in Kohima and not against the business community, so it was illogical to impose a bandh in Dimapur.
While expressing sympathy with the ANCSU, the DCCI has appealed to student to exercise restraint and not to impose the bandh.
DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) Tuesday asserted that proposed bandh was without its knowledge and has therefore decided not encourage the said indefinite bandh.
In a press note, DNSU president Sedevilie Angami and general secretary B Mhajan Tsopoe said the decision was unanimously taken at its emergency presidential meeting held along with its constituent units on June 4, 2019 at its office.
In this regard, DNSU has asked all the business establishments/government offices and other public services to remain open.
DNSU has cautioned that any student, individual or group spearheading the bandh or taking part in the bandh would be held responsible if any untoward incident arose.
Meanwhile, the union has extended “fullest support” to the issues raised by ANCSU and assured to render full cooperation towards the students’ welfare in the near future. However, DNSU stated that the proposed indefinite bandh without proper consultation was a hasty decision, which would affect the general public.