Dimapur, Jan. 29: The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on Sunday announced indefinite bandh in Dimapur starting January 30 from 7 a.m. ‘till the target of Naga people is achieved.’
Addressing media persons, JCC officials earnestly appealed the candidates to retire from the race in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, while it also urged the State government to review its decision and postpone the election. It warned that the government and the candidates in fray will be held equally responsible for any unwanted situation.
The JCC also called on the respective tribal hoho leaders to inform their members to assemble at the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office on January 31 at 9 a.m. to make a final call for suspension of the proposed ULB elections even as the bandh will continue to be in force.
JCC officials appealed all the officials involved in the election duty to restrain from duty considering that the cause is for the integrity of Nagas and safeguard the citizens’ right which is enunciated under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India. JCC officials specifically called on the chairmen and GBs not to allow any polling activity in their respective wards and villages. JCC also informed that Independent candidate Hukavi Tokheho Yepthomi from Ward 20 under Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) had submitted his retirement from ULB election on Sunday (January 29). With his retirement, candidates who have retired reached to 24 till date.
It informed that the bandh will continue to be total with restriction on movement of vehicles as well as pedestrians. Exemptions have been made for students, weddings, funerals, exams/interviews, patients and their attendants, para-military personnel, administrative officials and the press. Pharmacies and hospitals will also be allowed to open, JCC informed.
The JCC officials reiterated that while media persons have been exempted from the bandh including newspaper hawkers, the exemption for newspaper hawkers will be confined only to local print media hawkers. The DMC workers are also requested to clear the garbage before 7 a.m. on January 30.
Meanwhile, JCC officials urged the volunteers to be disciplined and also appealed the citizens to extend helping hand to the volunteers on duty in their respective colonies by providing necessary facilities. They also acknowledged the contributions of the public and the co-operation extended by tribal hohos in their respective districts.
144A CrPC clamped in Dimapur
In view of the prevailing law and order situation in Dimapur district, Commissioner of Police and District Magistrate, Dimapur, has imposed order under section 144-A CrPC thereby prohibiting any person from carrying arms in their possession within the district of Dimapur till further notice. The order has come into force with immediate effect.
