Nagaland CSOs divided over bandh, shutdown affects in 5 districts only
Source: IT News / (With input from Agency)

Imphal, February 01 2018: Total shut down in Nagaland called Core Committee of Naga Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) affected normalcy at Dimapur, Mokokchung, Peren, Tseminyu and Zunheboto while the rest remain unaffected, agency report said.

The 12 hours bandh was called in the entire state by some Nagaland civil society bodies demanding postponement of the state assembly election as solution to the vex Naga issue is considered more important.

NSCN-IM the rebel group which had signed Frame work agreement with the government of India also warned political parties from taking part in the Nagaland election before settling the Naga issue.

In the five districts where the total shut down has been forced normal traffic has been severely affected as both commercial and private vehicles stay off the road besides shutting down of all business establishment and educational institutions.

Government offices were reported to be defunct in the five districts however essential services had been kept out of the purview of the bandh.

Several apex bodies of the State that had formed a solidarity network for 'solution before election' under the CCNTHCO, backed out from enforcement of total shutdown.

The Angami Public Organization (APO), the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO), Eastern Naga People's Organization (ENPO) and Lotha Hoho on Wednesday announced they were against the bandh in larger interest of the people.

However, these organizations said they are in favour of an early solution to the vexed Naga issue.

The APO also decided 'not to persuade nor dissuade any individual from filing nomination' and 'will not boycott the ensuing Assembly election'. This was stated in a press statement issued by APO president, Dr Kepelhousie Terhüja, and general secretary, Neisakholie Ziephru, that was circulated in the social media.

"No bandh shall be allowed within the Angami inhabited areas on February 1," the statement read, adding, "This clarion call is made for and in the larger interest of the Nagas in its quest for peoplehood and nationhood which we are aware cannot be taken lightly" .

In Kohima district, however, the Rengma Hoho is observing the bandh in Tseminyu sub-division, that began from dawn on Thursday.

The Chakhesang Public Organization, instead, resolved to have a 'prayer day' for early solution to the Naga political problem instead of a bandh.

This was decided at an emergency general meeting held at Town Hall of Pfütsero on Wednesday.

The CPO appealed to all the citizens to 'remain at home and pray for an early solution to the Naga political' .

The ENPO also decided not to impose bandh in ENPO areas, stated a press release from its media cell.

"That does not mean the ENPO do not support the Naga solution.

But the decision not to impose bandh has been decided on good faith and not to create unnecessary inconvenience to the public of ENPO areas," stated a press release.

It is learnt that the ENPO had received a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday inviting ENPO for a meeting with the MHA in March later year.

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