MTLT appalled by Mkg DC’s order

Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) on Thursday said it was totally appalled by the “veiled threat of the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Sushil Kumar Patel, through the All India Radio (AIR), Kohima news on March 10 morning.

In a press note, MTLT media cell said that the DC in an order to ‘individuals, groups, NGOs etc’ stated that “searches made by an individual groups NGOs etc is not authorised as per the law and as such searches are deemed illegal and ultra-vires”.

MTLT said it was shocked that the DC, in apparent reference to the “visitation” by Mokokchung youths to different schools has been termed as “searches”. MTLT further clarified that there was “no searches” as alleged by the DC.

MTLT said that the members “only made visitation to different schools” on being reported that the rice meant for school children were of low grade, “infested with worms and not fit for human consumption”.

Since the Lanur Telongjem considers government schools as a part of the public institution, MTLT said it was everyone’s duty to contribute to the best of their abilities. 

Moreover, it said that the MTLT have members and friends working or studying in different government primary and middle schools. Such an issue of “distribution of degraded rice to the schools was an issue too big to be ignored”, it added.

MTLT said that it failed to understand intention of the DC as to how he could threaten the bonafide youths with the CrPc 1973.

In this regard, MTLT has questioned DC whether “visitation can be construed as searches, whether MTLT cannot highlight such anomalies, especially the distribution of worm-infested rice to schools which would surely cause health problems among the students”.

It further questioned the DC “whether he was aware of the whole issue?” until he was given a letter on March 9, 2016 afternoon at his office chambers.

MTLT also questioned the DC “whether he is staying in Mokokchung as the district head for the welfare of the public or for some other vested interests”.

As for the MTLT, it said as a conscientious youth organization, they would continue to pursue their goals and continue to work for the welfare of Mokokchung society. 

MTLT reminded that they were not deterred by the threat of CrPC or whatever law that may try to subside their zeal for a progressive society.

Office of the deputy commissioner (DC) Mokokchung has stated that searches made by any individual, groups, NGOs etcetera was not authorized as per law and such searches were “deemed illegal and ultra-vires”.

In an order issued on March 10, 2016, the DC Mokokchung Sushil Kumar Patel said that as per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973, only police can search a place (Private or government properties) with prior search warrant.

DC informed that the persons aggrieved (private or government officials) by such searches could seek legal remedy under Sec 441 of Indian Panel Code, 1896 (Criminal Trespass) against the perpetrators of such illegal action.