NPCC seeks public ‘solidarity’ in protest against price hike of fuel

Dimapur, Sept. 9 (EMN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has appealed to all likeminded political parties, organisations, and the public in general to voluntarily join “in solidarity” to protest against the price hike of fuel.

The strike is called by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) against the price hike in petrol and diesel, on Sep. 10 across the country from 9 am to 3 pm.

The NPCC general secretary, GK Zhimomi told Eastern Mirror that “the bandh is not going to be the same old bandh, we have had in the past; it is up to the people if they want to extend solidarity.”

Zhimomi informed that the intent was to create awareness by putting up banners in petrol pumps and placing stickers in vehicles to create awareness about the impact of the prices in fuel.

“Tomorrow we have called for voluntary closure of shops and other establishments. Now it is up to the people if they want to join the protest or are comfortable with the high prices,” Zhimomi said.

The general secretary also informed that Bhupen Kumar Borah, the secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), has already reached Dimapur as an observer of the bandh.

It was earlier reported that Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Meghalaya, Charles Pyngrope, was delegated to be an observer for Nagaland. However, GK Zhimomi confirmed that the arrangement was cancelled in the last hour.

While some schools were unaware of the bandh, schools like Maple Tree and Hope Academy in Dimapur will continue with normal routine as some classes are in the mid of terminal examinations.

A source from the Indian Oil Cooperation (IOC), Dimapur, also spoke to Eastern Mirror and was hopeful of no “negative elements” to create violence during the bandh.

“All IOC outlets will remain open and we hope for a peaceful bandh,” source said adding that protest banners will not be permitted to be set up at their outlets.