DIMAPUR — The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has issued a statement to address the closure of two educational institutions in Kohima, aiming to clarify any misconceptions surrounding the situation.
“Considering the impact of any bandh and its consequences on the future of the student community, the AYO does not intend to shut down any schools or institutions,” it clarified on Friday.
According to the AYO, on March 19 evening, it conveyed the message to the Naga Students’ Federation, the Angami Students’ Union and a Mao Council representative to the Tenyimi People’s Organisation, that educational institutions would not be affected.
However, it expressed regret that despite its assurances, two institutions — Model Higher Secondary School and Model Christian College, owned by an individual from the Mao community– have purportedly attributed the closures to the organisation’s directives.
It went on to state that the organisation has heeded the advice of the Angami Public Organisation (APO) to refrain from extreme measures, despite the failure of both the Manipur government and the Mao Council to address the APO’s ultimatum within the stipulated deadline of Feb. 20, 2024. However, given the seriousness of the ongoing situation, the AYO has cautioned Mao citizens to remain vigilant until the APO’s ultimatum is acknowledged.
Reiterating its support for the ultimatum, the AYO underscored its readiness to take action, “if the Manipur Government continues to give a deaf ear to the demands raised by the APO.”
Additionally, it issued a warning to all parties involved, specifically addressing the Mao Council, against taking advantage of the situation by playing the ‘victim card.’
