APO advisory board snubs APO, backs PCC

After Angam Public Organisation’s (APO) statement on November 11 and reaffirmation on November 15, attracted flak from senior elders of the Angami community for banning any form of protests or agitations during festive season under APO jurisdiction, the APO Advisory Board sought to correct the drift by issuing a statement over the controversy. 

It may be recalled that the APO statement had set the stage for a collision with the Public Coordination Committee (PCC) which had planned to stage sit-in demonstration in the New Secretariat for Lok Ayukta Act, termination of all backdoor appointees etc.

APO Advisory Board through Zeneituo Yano acknowledged that the unending corruption, nepotism and favouritism was plaguing Naga society. It said as youths are the future hope it should be the endeavour of all to rid present social evils in order to bequeath the future generation with a corruption-free society.

Taking cognizance of the APO statements on November 11 and 15, the APO Advisory Board clarified that it supports any peaceful protest, dharna conducted by any organisation for a genuine cause; more so when it pertained to corruption, backdoor appointments, nepotism and any form of discrimination. Therefore, APO Advisory Board reiterated that it does not subscribe to any “directives issued on restricting peaceful protests” and therefore appealed to APO to “extend its full support to the movement for the betterment of our society.”

While lauding ACAUT and PCC for “taking the cause upfront” APO Advisory Board however expressed objection to protestors “showing thumbs down and shouting abusive words” at passing vehicles and occupants.

While reaffirming the right to “peaceful” protest, APO Advisory Board hoped that the protesters would refrain from using abusive words or any form of violent demonstrations and that ACAUT and PCC would take the movement forward to its logical conclusion.