Following the state government’s assurance to postpone the ULB elections in Nagaland, the indefinite bandh in Dimapur called by the Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) has been suspended. JCC has, however, said that its next course of action would depend on the outcome of the cabinet sitting scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
Addressing the media persons Monday evening, JCC convenor Subu Jamir said JCC would work all contentious issues in consultation with all stakeholders within the two-month time. Asked whether the excommunication orders against candidates would be revoked, Subu stated it was the prerogative of respective tribal bodies.
Meanwhile, the indefinite bandh called by the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) in Dimapur on Monday passed off peacefully even as thousands of volunteers young and old from various tribe organizations took part to enforce the bandh under the banner of Dimapur Naga Youth Organization (DNYO).
The volunteers were spread across every corner of the city and strategic locations to strictly enforce the bandh. During the bandh Church leaders visited several areas and prayed for the volunteers. Talking to this reporter, a DNYO volunteer said: “We will continue our fight till the state government listen to the people’s voice and there would be no compromise in any manner for our demands.”
Over two thousand volunteers, from teenagers to men as old as 60 plus, turned up at Chümoukedima junction to enforce the bandh. Every passing vehicle was strictly scrutinized by the volunteers. The bandh passed-off peacefully with no untoward incidents reported.
A volunteer in Chümoukedima said: “APO’s stand was loud and clear opposing 33% reservation. They ensured that none of the candidates filed nominations, for which it is our bounden duty to respect and protect their stand.” In Medziphema town, the bandh was peaceful owing to the fact that all intending candidates had withdrawn their nominations. Travelers– both air and railways, remained stranded at various locations particularly at Dimapur Railway Station.
Later in the evening after hearing about the news that the polls were deferred, jubilant volunteers in thousands took to the streets for a “victory ride”.
Volunteers’ seize e-roll
A situation erupted in Circuit House, Dimapur where some volunteers burnt electoral roll after learning that the district administration had used the house to store election materials.
It was reported that the e-roll was seized from a Dobashi outside the Circuit House. After words went out about the incident, hundreds of volunteers as reinforcement were rushed to the area. Police personnel in anti-riot gear also reached the spot.
The volunteers also barricaded the entry point to the Circuit House with large rocks and even locked the main gate. The volunteers also went room by room to check the place but no polling material was found.
However, the situation was later brought under control.
JCC acknowledges: JCC has thanked all the volunteers for making the bandh a success through their participation. The committee also extended its gratitude to the state government for considering the “sentiments of the people” and the NBCC for intervening and brokering peace between the two entities. JCC expressed it gratitude to the police personnel, media and the general public for their support.
WSKH: Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) has acknowledged the volunteers under WSKH territory by taking part in the bandh to protest against ULB election called by JCC.
In a statement, WSKH president S. Vihuto Yepthomi also praised the state government for deciding to postpone the election for a period of two months as mediated by NBCC.
Further, hoho was hopeful that an amicable solution acceptable to all could be worked out in due course of time.
PPC calls off bandh: Phom Peoples Council (PPC) has called off the proposed bandh which was scheduled from January 31 to February 1 in Longleng town, after learning that the civic polls had been deferred, PPC said in a press note.