EMN
Dimapur, March 10
The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has expressed shock at the ‘veiled threat’ of Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Sushil Kumar Patel, through an order ‘individuals, groups, NGOs etc’ stating that “searches made by an individual groups NGOs etc is not authorised as per the law and as such searches are deemed illegal and ultra-vires” as was aired through All India Radio (AIR), Kohima news bulletin on March 10 at 7:35.
MTLT said it was shocked that the Mokokchung DC, in apparent reference to the “visitation” by Mokokchung youths to different schools has been termed as ‘searches’.
MTLT clarified that there was no ‘searches’ as alleged by the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner.
Media Cell, MTLT said, “The MTLT members only made ‘visitation’ to different schools on being reported that the rice meant for our children and the young students were of very degraded quality, infested with worms and ‘not fit for human consumption.”
“The MTLT made the visitation to the different schools since the Lanur Telongjem takes the government schools as a part of public institution where each and every member of the society has to contribute to the best of their abilities. Moreover, the MTLT has enough members and friends working or studying in the different government primary and middle schools and the distribution of degraded rice to the schools was an issue too big to be ignored.”
The Telongjem questioned the intention of Mokokchung DC as to how could he threaten the bonafide youths with the CrPc 1973.
The Telongjem also questioned the DC whether ‘visitation’ could be construed as ‘searches’ and whether MTLT cannot highlight such anomalies, especially the distribution of worm-infested rice to schools which would cause health problems among the students.
Further, the MTLT questioned the DC whether he was aware of the whole issue until they gave him the letter on March 9, 2016 at his office chambers at 3:30 p.m.
The MTLT also questioned whether he was staying in Mokokchung as the district head for the welfare of the public or for other vested interests. ‘The public is the best judge.’
“As for the MTLT, as a conscientious youth organization, we would continue to pursue our goals; we would continue to work for the welfare of Mokokchung society. And we are not deterred by the threat of CrPC or whatever Indian law might try to subside our zeal for a progressive society,” MTLT said.
