APO discourages public protests, bandhs in its jurisdiction sans consultation

Dimapur, Feb. 7 (EMN): Angami Public Organisation (APO) on Monday reiterated its resolution adopted on Feb. 3, 1996 to discourage and disallow staging of protest rallies, strikes and imposition of bandhs etc. within its jurisdiction by any organisation without prior consultation.

A statement from APO stated that the resolution was adopted to maintain and ensure peaceful atmosphere, adding that organising protest rallies was a ‘regular event in the state capital thereby affecting the normal life of its citizens particularly the students and business communities.’

“Further, many precious lives were lost and properties both private and public worth crores had been damaged in the past when such a protest took a violent turn. Public protest and staging a dharna for demanding justice from the government may be a constitutional right of its citizens and no doubt APO acknowledges such a situation and is also prepared to render its full support and cooperation through proper consultation,” it read.

It also appealed to the public not to misconstrue its statement as ‘APO is imposing its diktat upon others’.

‘Our main objective of adopting such a resolution was to protect and preserve the sanctity of true and vibrant Naga society from being spoiled and corrupted by few groups of people for self aggrandisement and also to gain cheap popularity overnight at the cost of the innocent public,’ read the statement.

APO therefore reaffirmed to implement in letter and spirit its resolution to discourage any public protest and rallies within its jurisdiction sans proper consultation and understanding.