Kohima, Feb. 1: The situation in Kohima remained tense throughout Wednesday with youth volunteers on strict vigil. However, no violent incident occurred other than two vehicles being damaged by the volunteers during the early hours of the bandh.
A two-wheeler bearing registration number NL 10C 0216 was burned at High School Junction while a Maruti Wagon R, reportedly carrying one of the advisors to the chief minister, Lalthara, was intercepted at PR Hill Junction and was vandalized after the official and his driver were allowed to go. Towards the evening, the atmosphere became heated up and youth volunteers charred the vehicle.
Initially, public movement, both pedestrian and vehicular, business activity, trade and commerce, shops, educational institutions and hospitals were exempt from the purview of the bandh. But as the day progressed, the situation got tense and vehicular movements were restricted. Except for some few pharmacies, bakeries and restaurants, all business shutters were down.
Mobile internet data and SMS services were barred in the district since the wee hours of Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has informed that there would be a total bandh in Kohima on Thursday. AYO vice president Peter Rutsa said the organisation’s January 31 order would continue, and in addition business establishments will be closed. Legislators and different political party officials have been advised not to move around during the bandh.
Public utility service providers such as petrol pumps, gas, hotels, bakeries and food provisional stores are also exempt from the purview of the bandh, the AYO official said.
