The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has asserted that it will neither participate nor enforce within its jurisdiction the bandh on 14 January that has been called by the Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC).

In a press release issued today, the CPO stated that it was “disturbed by the decision” of the NPAC to call a “blanket bandh”.

Maintaining that the CPO has neither endorsed nor authorised the NPAC, the organisation stated that “the latter’s decision do not have any bearing on CPO”.

“The NPAC as such cannot give any directions to the Apex tribal body of the Chakhesangs in any matter,” it stated.

The CPO further pointed out that the celebration of Sükrünye (“the premier festival of the Chakhesangs”) is underway and thus, it would not enforce the bandh on Saturday within its jurisdiction.