Lotha civil society organizations (CSOs) have suspended the bandh in Wokha district from midnight of 13th – 14th February 2024, till midnight of 17th- 18th February 2024 in response to the appeal made by Lotha legislators. The CSOs stated it will be putting bandh on hold to enable the legislators to negotiate with the concerned contractor and government authorities, however, the pause in the protest is “subject to re imposition”.
The Wokha based CSOs imposed bandh on National Highway 2 (Previously NH 61) in Wokha district on 8th February and further intensified the protest on 10th February where it closed down government offices and business establishments. Educational institutions had also remained closed during the period.
The Lotha CSOs on Tuesday evening announced that it is suspending the bandh under the following terms & conditions:
1. The total bandh is subject to re-imposition
2. The locked offices of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, and that of the SDO, NH, Wokha, shall remain locked till the completion of the demolition and acquisition of paid structures and plots of land.
3. The Lotha Legislators, the concerned govt authorities, led by the Deputy Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, in charge of National Highway and the contractor, M/s TTC Infra India Pvt Ltd will do the needful to settle the issue, at the earliest.
The CSOs include include Lotha Hoho, Joint Action Committee, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Students’ Union, Lotha Youth Hoho, WD Village Council Chairmen Association, Wokha Town Colonies Union, WDCC&I, and All Commercial Vehicle Association, Wokha District.
In a heart warming story, the Wokha Branch of Red Cross Society, led by its president Dr Zumomo Ovung, handed out food items to truck drivers stranded on National Highway 2 due to bandh called by CSOs in Wokha district.
Meanwhile, the Lotha Students’ Union has informed that’s educational institutions in Wokha district under All Nagaland Private Schools Association (ANPSA) Wokha Unit may resume as the protest has been suspended.
Appreciating the cooperation of ANPSA, Wokha Unit, LSU appealed for continued support even in the future, if need arise.
Students appearing Board examinations were exempted from the bandh. 435 students are sitting for the HSSLC Exam at the Government Higher Secondary School Centre in Wokha being conducted by the Nagaland Board of Education while 734 students are appearing HSLC exam. 199 students are appearing HSLC exam in Bhandari Centre.
