Own advisory board critical of APO's decision

Censures use of foul language by protestors Dimapur, Nov. 17 (EMN): The advisory board of the Angami Public Organisation on Friday came out with a statement against the organisation's recent decision restricting protests and agitations within its jurisdiction and at the same time censured the methods used in the present protest at Kohima. "The Angami Public Organization Advisory Board Members does not subscribe to any directives issued on restricting peaceful protests. We appeal APO to extend full support to the movement for the betterment of our society. We laud ACAUT and PCC for taking the cause upfront. ...we support any peaceful protest, dharna conducted by any organisation for a genuine cause, more so when it protest against corruption, backdoor appointments, nepotism and any form of discrimination. The right to a peaceful protest is an intrinsic part of a democratic society," stated the advisory board. It explained that the present Naga society is plagued by 'corruption, nepotism and favouritism' with no signs of an end to making it a worrying situation for the future of the youth as youth are the society's hopes, and the future belongs to them. It further appealed that all should endeavour to do away with social evils that are present in society, so that the future generation can live in a 'corruption-free society'. The advisory board also censured the use of foul languages and gestures by the volunteers of the current protests outside the civil secretariat in Kohima. "However, the protesters showing thumbs down and shouting abusive words to every passing vehicle and its occupants repulses public appreciation. While there is a right to peaceful protest, "peaceful" being the operative word, we hope the protesters would refrain from using abusive words or any form of violent demonstrations," it stated.