NTAC, JCC decline Gov invitation for meeting

 NTAC media cell disclosed that the decision was made after a discussion at a joint coordination meeting between NTAC and JCC. Also, the meeting extended invitations to all tribe hoho leaders at the coordination meeting to be held at APO Hall Kohima at 11 a.m. on February 7 (Tuesday). 

In a letter addressed to the Governor, NTAC convenor K.T. Vilie and JCC convenor Supu Jamir have stated that since he (Governor) was aware that their demand was “non-negotiable”, the only solution to the ongoing crisis is when T.R. Zeliang steps down from the office of the chief minister.

The two committees have reiterated the reasons for the above demand as Zeliang was held squarely responsible for the sequences of events beginning from the vehement protests against holding of ULB elections exhibited by destruction of residences of candidate in Phek town, expulsion notice served on a cabinet minister from Mokokchung district to intervention to the crisis by the highest church body in Nagaland , the NBCC resulting in the signing of the tripartite agreement at Chumukedima on January 30,2017 where the chief minister and the home minister “agreed in principle” to postpone elections(ULBs) for two months. 

However, contrary to hope that the government would deliver, the cabinet instead, “decided against the wishes of the people” and the protests led to the firing incident where two innocent youths were killed and several other injured in Dimapur besides several injured in another firing incident in Longleng town. These incidents culminated in the destruction of several government offices and properties, stated the joint release.

Also, they said the chief minister instead of “owning moral responsibility for the carnage along with the loss of two lives” by stepping down honourably, instead “sarcastically” appealed for peace which was adding salt to injury. In view of the above cited reasons, NTAC & JCC maintained they would “not participate in any discussion in presence of the chief minister, who was described as being “unreliable” and having lost the trust and confidence of the people. NTAC and JCC however assured the Governor that they would participate in any consultative meeting but “without the chief minister”.

Jan 30 agreement null and void: They also declared as nullified and also as null and void, the tripartite agreement signed on January 30, 2017 at Chumukedima. The two also informed Governor that the decision was also intimated to the chief minister for official notification by the JCC.

Hohos to pay homage

Tribal Hohos would be paying homage to the two slain January 30 victims on Tuesday in Kohima, NTAC media cell informed.

The programme would be held before the consultative meeting of the tribe organizations near the Zonal council hall. Later, the meeting is scheduled to be held at the APO conference hall.