NSF relieves Finance Secretary Katho P Awomi of duties pending inquiry into allegations linked to the Prysm Lounge probe.
KOHIMA — The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Friday announced that it has relieved its Finance Secretary, Katho P Awomi, of all responsibilities and assignments pending the outcome of an inquiry into allegations against him.
Dimapur Police have registered an FIR against Awomi following a complaint alleging his involvement in an act of vandalism inside Prysm Lounge on June 30.
Addressing a press conference, NSF President Mteisuding said that the federation had taken the decision until the facts of the case are properly established.
"Till the facts of the matter are ascertained, the NSF has exempted its finance secretary from all responsibilities and assignments," he said.
He maintained that the federation does not condone or endorse acts of vandalism or misconduct. At the same time, he alleged that certain vested interests were deliberately spreading false narratives about the incident.
Referring to the clarification issued by the proprietor of the establishment, who is also president of Dimapur Restaurant Union, Mteisuding said the public should refrain from drawing conclusions or spreading misinformation while the matter remains under investigation.
"Whatever action the NSF is going to take in due course of time, people should wait patiently," he said.
Also read: All Nagaland College Students’ Union cuts ties with former president over vandalism row
Asked whether the federation was aware of any alleged demand for donations and the reasons behind it, Mteisuding declined to comment further, saying the restaurant owner had already issued a clarification on the matter.
NSF vice president Vimeyiekho Vitso said that the clarification issued by the restaurant owner made it clear that the alleged demand for money was not initiated by the federation. “It is crystal clear from the clarification issued by the restaurant owner regarding the funding matter connected to this incident," he said.
Vitso asserted that the federation was treating the matter impartially and would act in accordance with its principles. "Whether the issue involves one of our members or any other individual, the NSF will stand by what is right. We are guided by our principles and remain focused on issues concerning the student community and the general public," he said.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Vitso said that the federation was closely monitoring developments and would take appropriate action after the facts are established.