Dimapur, Nov. 19 (EMN): While maintaining that the 18-hour shutdown, which ends at 12 noon today, is purely a “conscience call” to reject the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), the NEFIP and JCPI along with the various Naga organisations have, nevertheless, requested citizens of the state to stay indoors for the bandh’s duration.
A joint statement issued by NEFIP and JCPI on Tuesday further appealed to all institutions and establishments to reorganise its schedules to allow “peaceful observance” of the bandh.
“This few hours of sacrifice will go a long way to determine the destiny of our future generations to come. In the event of any emergency, the commuters or the travellers are adviced to display their respective identity prominently,” it stated.
Organisations express support
Asserting that “our future is at stake”, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) extended support to the state-wide shutdown.
“… as mothers, we raise our deep concern and fervently appeal to each and every Indigenous Nagas to rise up and protect our land and its people. The CAB 2016 in its present form being a threat to the security of the state and the entire north-east region, let us stand together to protect our identity and rights,” read an NMA statement.
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), observing that the shutdown could have adverse impact on students whose examinations are underway, has directed its federating units to “tie-up” with the organisers and ensure that the students are not affected.
“Further, NSF would like to place on record, our total resentment against the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) and assure the general public that it shall leave no stone unturned in order to ensure that the proposed bill does not see the light of the day,” it stated.
Also, the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) expressed support to the “first phase of moral policing protest by way of voluntary down their shutters” in Nagaland in particular , and other north-eastern states in general.
“The Nagaland Tribes Council further appeals to the Indigenous people of Nagaland, tribe hohos, various CSOs, youth and student bodies to stand in solidarity on the issue in question and extend all possible support to the movement in order to make the regions free of illegal immigrants once and for all,” read an NTC statement.
