Dimapur, Feb. 1: In downtown Dimapur, the imposition of section 144 CrPC by the commissioner of police – which prohibits assembly of more than four persons in an area – prevented most residents from venturing out on Wednesday.
But there were also reliable reports of some vehicles with black flags on their way to attend the funeral of the two slain youths being asked to go back by the police in town area. Only after several requests were they allowed to pass through, it was reported.
On being asked if there was a curfew, a policeman on duty had replied that there was no such official word as curfew but that section 144 CrPC has been imposed. When pointed out that section 144 CrPC was, among others, to prevent assembly of more than five persons and not restrict vehicular movements, the policeman had no justification except that it was better for the people to stay off the roads.
Another incident was reported where a patient being taken in a private vehicle to the hospital was sent back by the duty officer with no further questions but to get an ambulance and travel in it.
However, police officials said that no such orders were given to the officers in charge to stop vehicles plying for medical emergencies and funeral purposes but only to perform their duties knowing the situation for the safety of the public.
The official also added that the police were equally concerned about the situation of other two bandhs called by the JCC and the Chakhroma Public Organisation which, he said, was affecting normal life, educational institutions and business establishments.
He said that the police perform their duty of stopping every vehicle to check for any anti-social elements considering the situation. As such, he hoped for cooperation from the public till section 144 CrPC was revoked.
BANDH IN PHEK DISTRICT
The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) today imposed bandh in the Chakhesang region of Phek district to show its resentment against the government decision on ULB elections.
CYF president Welete Kapfo said the bandh was observed peacefully at Phek, Pfutsero, Chozuba, Chetheba and Sekruzu. He said no untoward incident has been reported.
