The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has withdrawn its earlier statement disassociating itself from former president, Katho P Awomi, stating that the decision would remain in abeyance until the facts surrounding the matter are conclusively established through due process of law.

In a clarification issued on Friday by Duve Tetseo, Vice-President and Chairman of the Grievances Cell, ANCSU, the Union stated that a particular expression contained in the earlier press release had inadvertently created public confusion and led to unintended consequences. It noted that allegations relating to the alleged demand for money had already been categorically disowned and clarified on multiple occasions by the concerned parties.

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Consequently, ANCSU acknowledged that its previous statement had unintentionally caused prejudice to the reputation of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and expressed sincere regret over the matter.

“After due deliberation by the union and in the larger interest of preserving unity, harmony and organisational decorum, the previous statement regarding the disassociation shall no longer remain in force until the facts are conclusively established through due process of law,” the clarification stated.

However, ANCSU reiterated its serious concern over the continued operation of illegal bars and nightclubs allegedly functioning in violation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.

The Union said that despite repeated appeals from civil society organisations, such establishments continued to operate openly, and questioned why law enforcement agencies had failed to initiate action against them.

Calling for strict enforcement of the law, ANCSU urged the competent authorities to take immediate and impartial action against all illegal establishments without fear or favour.