ANCSU bars former president Katho P Awomi from official activities pending police investigation into the alleged Prysm Lounge vandalism case.
DIMAPUR — Following a viral CCTV clip of alleged vandalism at Prysm Lounge in Dimapur, the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) on Friday publicly distanced itself from its former president, Katho P Awomi, and barred him from all organisational programmes pending the outcome of a police investigation.
In a statement, the union informed that it had taken serious note of media reports concerning Awomi, the current finance secretary of Naga Students’ Federation, against whom a case has been registered and is under investigation by law enforcement authorities.
At the same time, the ANCSU called for an immediate crackdown on bars, restaurants and nightclubs allegedly operating in violation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
Condemning the alleged incident, the union admitted that the reports had adversely affected the image, credibility and legacy of the organisation, stating that Awomi had once held a position of trust and responsibility as its president.
To safeguard the union's reputation and institutional integrity, the ANCSU announced that Awomi would not be invited to, associated with or engaged in any of its programmes, activities or official functions until the matter is conclusively resolved through due process of law.
The union stressed that the decision was taken solely to protect its credibility and maintain public confidence in its leadership.
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Reiterating its long-standing opposition to the operation of bars, restaurants and nightclubs engaged in the sale and consumption of alcohol, it alleged that such establishments continue to function despite the provisions of NLTP Act.
It urged the commissioner of police, Dimapur, and other enforcement agencies to immediately shut down all bars, restaurants and nightclubs found to be violating the NLTP Act through the sale or facilitation of alcohol consumption.
The union further warned that failure by the authorities to act decisively against establishments violating the law would compel the organisation to launch democratic forms of protest to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
The ANCSU maintained that its stand was not directed against any individual or organisation but was guided by its commitment to ethical leadership, the rule of law and the welfare of the student community.