This press statement is issued in response to the statement made by a so-called DAN Core Committee on 18th August 2017 without ascertaining any fact —
I. That the 10th Northern Angami-1 AC Youth Wing has already notified that it will not stoop low to paper war against a non-existent body but owing to the provocative statements issued in local dailies, time and again, by Neiphiu Rio and TR Zeliang supporters, MLA’s, the so-called NPF Kohima Division/10th Northern Angami-1 A/C Youth Wing under the illegal NPF office at Bayave Hill and lastly by the so-called DAN Core Committee, this notice is hereby issued for public clarification once and for all.
2. That the ultimatum was served on 12th August 2017 (and not 13th August as claimed by the so-called Core Committee) to the illegal NPF office set up at Hotel Legacy. BayavO Hill. which was viewed as a provocation at this juncture and it was hoped that till such time a proper solution is effected, the said illegal office, which might lead to confrontation, will be closed down to avoid further trouble.
3. That the following morning, i.e. 13th August 2017, local newspapers carried a counter statement by a so-called 10th Northern Angami-1 A/C Youth Wing showing total disregard to the sentiments of the constituency youth. It is thus, hereby questioned how, Northern Angami-2 residents form an NPF Youth Wing in Northern Angami-1 constituency? Or are those responsible, holding on to double identities, one in their village in Northern Angami-2 constituency and another in Northern Angami-1 constituency for their selfish ends? The four persons who received the ultimatum, namely Ruokuotuolie Mere, Kuovisieo Rio, Mhalelie Rio and Peter Kuotsu, all from Northern Angami-2 constituency, are yet to respond to a directive given to them to present the office bearers of the illegal NPF Youth Wing 10th Northern Angami-1 A/C since they were fully aware of the set up and are known to be the most regular attendants of the said illegal office, the legitimate 10th Northern Angami-1 A/C Youth Wing will continue its quest to unearth the truth.
4. That following the failure of the illegal office to close down and remove its flags, the final notice was issued on 14th August 2017 warning any person staying in the said office will be doing so at his/her own risk. Further media houses were requested not to entertain statements on behalf of party wings that do not carry authorised signatures. Unfortunately the “request” was misinterpreted as “warning” by Eastern Mirror. However, owing to appeals made by frontal NGO’s for restraint and peaceful approach, the youth wing has been complying to the appeals till date.
5. That copies of the ultimatum were endorsed to both Kohima Village Council (KVC) and Bayavü Area Panchayat (BAP) for necessary information and while KVC appealed for finding a peaceful solution through appropriate authorities, the BAP issued a press release on 15th August 2017 some contents of which, indicated a biased stand. Consequently, Youth Wing members visited the two signatories to apprise them not to take sides at this juncture but to remain neutral while issuing statements. And whereas the Chairman gratefully accepted his ignorance in using a term that offended the youth wing, incidentally, the Secretary was not home and so the message was conveyed to his wife. But consequently, since the DAN Core Committee took side with him, to the extent of giving him security, it is clearly evident that he was lurking inside the illegal NPF office that night.
6. That whatever be the case, the legitimate 10th Northern Angami-1 A/C Youth Wing still stand by its ultimatum and that it will continue to question individuals who are behind setting up of the illegal office at Hotel Legacy and who are responsible for the formation of a new Youth Wing in Northern Angami-1 constituency without our knowledge or consent.
7. Lastly, the legitimate 10th Northern Angami-1 A/C Youth Wing question the statement made by Neiphiu Rio on 18th August 2017 on the opinion of Kohima Village elders if it reflects the general opinion endorsed by Kohima Village Council or whether he is trying to mislead the public with another false version.
