No Independence Day celebrations in Tuensang

Kohima, Aug 16 (UNI) Independence Day celebrations could not be observed in the district headquarters of Tuensang due to stiff resistance and protest of the Chang Naga community, official sources said here today.

Sporting bandanas, the Chang community, led by students' body Chang Khulei Setsang (Chang Students' Union), stopped the people yesterday from entering the local ground where the official function was to be held.

They were protesting against the declaration of the Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to establish Deputy Inspector of School (DIS) Office at Tobu town allegedly disputed between the Chang and Konyak communities.

Nagaland Transport Minister Imtelemba Sangtam, who was to hoist the National Flag at the Tuensang local ground, could not enter the venue, which was later shifted to the residence of the Deputy Commissioner, where he unfurled it in the presence of district administrative officials.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma has expressed displeasure over the agitation by the Chang group and said it was a serious offence to obstruct the unfurling of the National Flag and boycotting a national programme.

Mr Rio has directed the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner and the Director General of Police to seek immediate explanation from the Deputy Superintendent of Police and other officers concerned on their inability to get the function going and submit a detailed report to the government on or before tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress in Nagaland has demanded the dismissal of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government on the grounds of its inability to administer the constitutional authority of India. In a release, secretary of Congress legislature party K V Pusa ridiculed the government for not being able to handle even law and order situations.

UNI AS BA PK KP1216