Kohima: The Ao Senden imposed blockade on the Mariani and Amguri roads linking Mokokchung and its neighbouring district with Assam, the Ao Senden (Ao Hoho) has ‘temporarily suspended with conditions’ the blockade with effect from this morning on the eighteenth day on Friday.
A press statement issued by the Ao Senden President, Dr. Sangyu Yaden and General Secretary Tsupong Longchar stated that the decision to ‘temporarily’ suspend the road blockade comes in the wake of the ‘written assurance’ given by the Nagaland Government to the memorandum submitted by the Ao Senden on May 27 and also the joint representation submitted by the Ao Senden and Kyong Hoho on June 6 last.
The Nagaland Government has reportedly assured to take action with regard to the demands put up in the memoranda.
However, the Ao Senden cautioned that if the Nagaland Government fails to keep its assurance, then the Ao Senden will take up the matter more vigorously depending on the time and situation. In this regard, the Ao Senden called upon all the Ao citizens to be prepared for any eventuality in the event the State government fails in its promises.
The Ao Senden also expressed deep appreciation to Nagaland Minister for Forest and Border Affairs Y Patton and Commissioner and Additinal Chief Secretary Banuo Z. Jamir, Commissioner Secretary Home Temjen Toy, who came personally to meet the Ao Senden and for understanding the objectives of the Ao Senden.
Besides, the Ao Senden expressed appreciation to Nagaland Home Minister Kaito Aye and his ministerial entourage who arrived at Mokokchung on June 12 and accepted the demands of the Ao Senden and assured to take action to realize the demands. It further thanked all the legislators from Mokokchung district.
Meanwhile, in arelated development, a hill-based Naga outfit has called a 48-hour bandh from the midnight of June 16 to protest against the policies of the Manipur government.
The United Naga Council (UNC) alleged that “communal forces in Imphal Valley” were working against them but did not identify them.
Demanding “an alternative arrangement” for Nagas, the UNC said in a statement that, “Nagas have consistently maintained that we are not communal but the Nagas and tribes cannot live with dignity and honour under the communal government of Manipur.”
Officials said all efforts would be made to ply transport services during the bandh.
While air services will not be affected, vehicle movement will be hit as they have to pass through a major portion of Naga-settled areas.
Appealing to all the organisations not to call bandhs or blockades as they adversely affect people both in the hills and valley, they said all measures would be taken to ply vehicles with security and police forces during the bandh. (Agencies)