As part of the ‘public emergency’ declared in Eastern Nagaland areas, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) on Sunday announced “total bandh” in Eastern Nagaland jurisdiction– Kiphire, Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Shamator and Noklak districts– “until further notice”.
According to a circular issued by ENPO Control Room, exemptions have been made for Power department, media houses, medical emergencies, fire & emergency services and wedding. In this regard, ENPO has asked all the tribal bodies to co-ordinate with all concerned accordingly.
It may be mentioned that the ENPO along with the tribal bodies and frontal organizations on March 5 declared public emergency in Eastern Nagaland, in view of the delay by the government of India in settling its offer for creation of ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
On March 8, ENPO called for a dawn to dusk bandh during which all government offices, business establishments and schools remained shut.
ENPO reaffirmed that during the public emergency all government offices will remain closed, and restrictions on the movement of government vehicles (both State and Central) will continue. It further warned that any private vehicles found operating for government purposes, other than those transporting essential commodities, would be seized. ENPO also said that any government offices found operating in official or private residences would face serious consequences.
ENPO had also declared to strictly implement the February 23, 2024 Chenmoho resolution– “not to participate in any Central and State election” against the delay to settle the offer for creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory by Government of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
CKS, PPC, TTC inform: Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS), Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) and Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) have informed that the in conformity to the public emergency and in continuation of its protest, the organizations have called for total bandh with effect from 12 a.m. (midnight) of March 11, until further notice in their respective jurisdictions.
This was stated in separate notifications issued by CKS president NY Choba and general secretary S Nayang; PPC president YB Angam, Phomla Hoichem president M Mano and PSC president N Dape Phom and TTC vice president K Asuthong, TWA president Tushila Caroline and TSU president Temong Y Tikhir.
They said that there would be complete restriction on movement of public as well as vehicular movement (government and private).
They further said that there would be total shutdown of government offices; government and private institution including schools and colleges and business establishments. Exemptions have been made for various categories as mentioned by ENPO Control Room circular. Similar directives have reportedly been issued by other tribal affiliates of ENPO to their respective units.