Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has lauded Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya for expressing his concern and endorsing ACUAT’s demand for CBI probe into the PDS rice scam.
Further, in a press note, WSH president Zheshito Swu and general secretary Vikato K. Achumi said the hoho also condemned the excessive use of force by Dimapur Police during the ACAUT rally at the city tower and Khermahal point.
Snatching of banners, microphones, using water cannons, lathi-charging and tear gas on the participants who were democratically voicing out their rights and grievances was deplorable, WSH said.
Terming it as complete misuse of power by the state government and Dimapur police, WSH said such order, by whoever responsible, was completely dictatorial and has no place in a democratic country. Instead of arresting the culprits and bringing justice, WSH said the government had completely lost confidence by shielding them and using suppressive methods to snuffle the voice of the people.
WSH stated the ACAUT rally had in no way posed as a threat to disturb peace and tranquillity.
Reacting to ADCP & PRO’s clarification that section 144 CrPC was imposed in view of the festive season, WSH said such reason did not hold any water and justifiable.
“Festive season or not, the people’s fight for their rights can go on anytime and the excuse was a very poor one,” it added.
WSH said mere clarifications and justifications cannot heal the wounds and mental scar it had caused to the people by using unjustified use of brute force on women and innocent peace activists.
It reminded that the police force was for safety and not for terrorizing the people who are fighting for justice.
The hoho also pointed out that the state government and police had on numerous invited the ire of the people and that the recent incident had hurt the people’s sentiments. Recalling the incident where water cannons were used against teachers recently at Kohima, WSH said the incident was still fresh, and termed it as very unfortunate and despicable act by the present government.
The hoho advised police officers to “know the ethics of humanity no matter even when their higher-ups are ordering such unjust act to do”.
Meanwhile, WSH also lauded ACAUT for exposing the multi-crore PDS rice scam and fuel adulteration scam. The hoho said it would support ACAUT’s fight against the menace of corruption in our society and has appealed every right thinking citizens to support the cause.