Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 3
THE 12-hour dawn to dusk bandh imposed by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) in Dimapur district was, by and large, peaceful without any untoward incident except for minor stray incidents.
Some dramatic scenes were witnessed at the Dimapur Airport junction where the bandh enforcers restricted flow of tourists to and from the airport and unwary travelers which resulted in minor skirmishes with the law enforcing agencies.Speaking to a section of media persons at the site, PCC president SI Jamir and CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi said the bandh was cent percent successful.
Stating that the bandh had served the purpose, the Congress leaders said the party has granted relaxation to persons in dire situation including students writing their examinations, wedding parties and people attending funerals. However, some people going to attend the weddings complained that they were allowed to go only after much persuasion but were not allowed to come from airport junction till the banndh period was over.
The Congress leaders said Medical Minister Imkong L Imchen has no moral right to continue in his position following his chargesheet in case relating to seizure of unaccounted money amounting to Rs 1.10 crore, illegal arms and ammunition and liquor in Wokha on February 18 in the run up to the State elections. NPCC has demanded for his removal till the case is settled.
Alleging ‘nexus’ between the Chief Minister and the Medical Minister, the Congress senior leaders were adamant to continue with the agitation till the government complied with its demand for removal of Imkong L Imchen from the cabinet till the case is settled. The Congress leaders have insisted to continue with similar agitation in other districts to pressure the State government to remove the ‘tainted minister’ from the cabinet.
In a digression to the peaceful bandh, police personnel had to disperse some volunteers at 4th Mile by resorting to firing tear gas who attempted to prevent the passage of a VIP escort. Unconfirmed sources also stated that the bandh enforcers had broken wind shield of some tourist vehicles prompting the police personnel to baton charge the volunteers. It was informed that three volunteers were briefly detained for their unruly act.
The bandh was relaxed at around four in evening before scheduled on humanitarian ground.
Meanwhile, president of the Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCI),
Kughato Aye, has acknowledged the support of the district administration, police, Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DDCI) and the public for enabling success of the 12 hour bandh. He had further sought similar support towards the party in the days to come.
