Apr 21 violence due to ‘act of favouritism’: Longsa village youth organisation (LVYO)

Asserting its stand pertaining to violent incident at DC conference hall Wokha April 21 in connection with the unresolved issue of VDB secretary election of Longsa village, the Longsa village youth organisation (LVYO) Tuesday claimed the main cause of the violence was due to “act of favouritism” by the administration.

In a press statement, the LVYO president Piponthung Ezung and general secretary Hayibemo Ezung said the ruling of district administration was in “favour” of one group in selection/election of VDB secretary of Longsa village by “turning down all legitimate and accurate proposal and valid documents forwarded to the administration.”

They maintained that “act of favouritism” and “injustice judgement” delivered by the administration compelled the supporter of one group to smash windowpanes of the DC conference hall so as to show their resentment.

The LVYO pointed out that Longsa village council at its official meeting February 22, last, unanimously elected one VDB member of one khel in Longsa village as member of Longsa VDB. However, they said administration made the village council decision as “farce” by putting up another candidate and declared the latter as elected VDB member.

Longsa village youth organisation said order of termination of the former VDB member was illegitimate and an act of partial and favouritism by administration.

They also said as per the regulation of LVC and an order from the administration, one-forth of women representation in the VDB member to be made mandatory.

However, LVYO said administration declared only the women nominated members forwarded by the other party neglecting the rights and formalities of the other group, which it said was an “absolute proof” of “injustice” and “favouritism” by the administration in delivering its judgement.

They said if administration did not remain neutral and deliver rightful justification then such kind of commotion would be inevitable.

LVYO urged the administration to remain neutral and do their assigned official duties without any “ism” for smooth and effective functioning.

Stating that village people did not have “any ill feelings” towards the statements made by Tenyimia Union Wokha (TUW) and Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA), the LVYO, however, requested the bodies to find out the fact of the issue since its inception “as to why such an unfortunate situation occurred.”

“The people of Longsa will carry and fight for their rights until justice is done and delivered to the people,” they said.