Angami youth announces Kohima, Medziphema and Chumukedima bandh

Dimapur, Jan. 6: The stand-off between the state government and major tribe organisations of Nagaland took a new turn on Friday even as the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) announced ‘total bandh from 7 am to 3.30 pm stringently’ of Kohima, Medziphema and Chumukedima municipalities.

A press statement from the youth group – who has been empowered by the Angami Public Organisation on this issue – stated that the decision was taken ‘in view of the volatile situation developing out of the prevailing scenario’ in connection with the elections to urban local bodies in Nagaland.

“This total bandh is enforced so as to avoid any unfortunate event on the final day of the filing of nominations to the municipal elections. Upholding the majority of the Naga public view and sentiment, and also reiterating the resolution of APO, any person/persons attempting to file nomination shall be ostracized as outcast from society by way of excommunication,” it stated.
Despite intending candidates in other districts/municipalities filing their nominations, the AYO stated, it would never allow the same to happen in the three municipalities mentioned.

“All business establishment,(sic) pedestrian and vehicular movements are totally restricted. However, exemptions are made for medical purposes, paramilitary forces, media and district administration exclusively only.

“While regretting inconvenience to the general public, this advisory is issued for the general public not to take unnecessary risk. All volunteers are advised to kindly wear a traditional dress each,” it informed.

In a separate statement, the Kohima Village Council (KVC) expressed gratitude to all the political parties and intending candidates for not filing their nomination papers in compliance with the call for boycott of the ULB elections from the APO, KVC and other tribe organisations.

“The KVC express gratitude and profound gratefulness to our almighty God for protecting us from ugly incidents and untoward situations that may have occurred in these 3 days of ULB election process. We remain firm in our commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of our Nagas.

“The KVC would like to reiterate its commitment and pursuance, while requesting the different political parties and all the intending candidates once again, to continue this cooperation and join our hands together for a better future of our people, by not participating in this forth coming ULB election with 33% women reservation,” it stated.
The Western Angami Public Organisation (WAPO) also issued a statement affirming its support to the resolutions adopted by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) on December 30, 2016 to boycott the ‘conduct of election to the municipal and town councils in its jurisdiction, Dimapur and Kohima districts, till such time the uncomfortable issues raised by APO in this regard are reasonably addressed.’

“To this end, WAPO shall continue to steadfastly rally behind its apex body, APO, in pursuit of the course of civic actions already set in motion,” it stated.

Governor appeals Naga Hoho and APO ‘to follow the law’

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on women reservation submitted a memorandum to governor, PB Acharya today, seeking his immediate intervention ‘on the prevailing situation of call for boycott of municipal polls and threats and intimidations by some tribal bodies/organizations to the intending candidates, including women.’

The Raj Bhavan, on Friday, issued two separate statements informing of the meeting between the governor and the two apex organisations. “Governor immediately invited the Naga Hoho leaders to discuss the matter and Chuba Ozukum, president and Elu Ndang, assembly secretary met the governor and had a detailed discussion on the issue.

“Governor appealed to the Naga Hoho and all concerned to accommodate and understand the situation and allow the election to be held in a fair and free manner and any intimidation, threats and ex-communication is against the democratic spirit.”

On the issue of 33% reservation in municipal/town council elections, it informed, the governor ‘clearly stated that let (sic) the process should go on as per the law and people should be broad minded.’

Chuba Ozukum, was reported as saying that the Naga Hoho executive had ‘delegated to the respective tribal hohos to take a decision on the above matter and also suggested that the government can call all tribal hohos for a dialogue with them as well as extend the time for filing nominations to hold the election if there is any provision in the Act.’

In another Raj Bhavan statement, the governor was reported meeting with the office bearers of Angami Public Organization (APO) – a team of seven senior office bearers led by president, Dr Vilhusa Seleyi.

“Governor strongly appealed to the APO to follow the law and to allow the municipal/town council elections to go ahead as announced by the government in order to protect and preserve the democratic ideals of Nagaland and also appealed to the APO and all concerned to accommodate and understand the situation and allow the election to be held in a fair and free manner and any intimidation, threats and ex-communication is against the democratic spirit.”

319 nominations filed till date

As of Friday, it was reported that the number of candidates to file nominations across Nagaland was 319. The NPF has the highest number of contestants with 217, followed by 69 Independent candidates and 33 BJP candidates. The Congress is yet to announce its list.
On Friday, 8 BJP candidates filed their nominations at Bhandari while another 2 Independent candidates filed nominations at Wokha town.