A peaceful agitation of the All Nagaland Ad hoc Teachers Union (ANATU) turned ugly after a clash between members with police occurred Friday afternoon.
The clash occurred after ANATU president Neizevotuo called off the agitation prior to a briefing with the state government which assured ANATU representatives that it would fulfill their demands within a month’s time.
As soon as the ANATU leaders including the entire districts unit presidents went for a joint meeting inside the education directorate conference hall, some agitators suspected to be under the influence of intoxicant attempted to forcibly enter the gate and which set off a confrontation with police. Some of the agitators began pelting stones at police forcing the latter to lathi charge and fire some tear gas shells. Some unruly lot made a determined stand despite the police lathi charge while some continued to pelt stones at the police. Panic gripped the area as shopkeepers downed shutters amid the chaos.
Some 13 agitators were detained by the police while several others sustained injuries. Six policemen were also slightly injured. The windshield of the vehicle of the OC North PS was damaged including a Gypsy belonging to agitators. Reports of police highhandedness were reported by those who were allegedly beaten up without rhyme or reason.
There was also an unconfirmed report that some of the agitators pelted stones at shops near War Cemetry and injuring a person, after the clash with the police at the School Education Directorate and Old MLA Hostel junction areas.
Talking to media persons, ANATU president Neizevotuo claimed that the second day’s agitation was by and large peaceful till after the agitation was called off. ANATU leaders however described the incident as “unfortunate” and condemned those responsible for the flare up.
ANATU leader also appreciated the administration for cooperation during the last two days of their agitation.
Meanwhile, SP Kohima said he has already apologized to the KCCI for ordering the closure of shops as police had to deal with agitators who went on a rampage.
KCCI issues ultimatum
Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in a representation to home minister accused SDPO Kohima Relo T.Aye of acting provocatively upon the business community by leading IRB personnel to order closure of shops from TCP gate to Old Tata parking. KCCI president Kesao Kesiezie and general secretary Vitshu Vizo also accused Relo of intimidating public and shop owners and even allegedly vandalizing certain shops.
KCCI said though business community had nothing to do with ANATU agitation, yet due to “excessive exercise of power by the SDPO Kohima” all shops in Kohima were forced to close, causing huge financial losses and creating psychological trauma among the business community.
While accepting that some shops within the vicinity of the office of education department could be asked to close, yet there were procedures for doing so it said and not causing shut down the entire business activities in the capital.
KCCI has demanded immediate action against SDPO Relo T.Aye and IRB personnel involved and a public apology for the trauma caused. KCCI also demanded compensation for damage to properties including infrastructure as assessed by it. KCCI has warned that failure to comply with its demands within three days would compel it to close down all business activities in Kohima town indefinitely.
NSF slams police barbarity
Expressing strong condemnation over the incidents, NSF slammed the police for the verbal argument with ANATU members and thereby precipitating the “violent pandemonium” that ensued.
NSF vice president Sinhilo Thong and education secretary Chipakhuyi Rhakho alleged that police directed their ire at public, beating up many innocent pedestrians, damaging some shops and forcing shopkeepers to close down. NSF asked the police higher ups to rein in their personnel to ensure discipline within its rank and file.