Public protest over Delimitation, NH-39 blockade

Kohima, Mar 21: The people here are protesting on the streets against the Delimitation of Assembly Constuencies in some parts of Nagaland, while the Western Angami Youth Organization(WAYO) will call a 12-hour road blockade on National Highway-39 on March 23.

With the last date of Delimitation nearing on March 31, the public in many areas of the state are taking to the streets with arms, protesting the recent proposal of Delimitation by the Election Commission.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, a large number of people under Aghunato Assembly Constituency under Zunheboto district took out a protest march yesterday, in the town expressing resentment. Some were even armed with Daos (Naga machetes).

The protestors demanded that this constituency be retained.

Otherwise, they warned that there msy be serious consequences.

Meanwhile, WAYO resolved to launch a 12-hour road blockade on NH-39 on March 23 from 0500 hours. NH-39 is the lifeline for both Nagaland and Manipur, connecting Dimapur, the exit point of the state, in protest against the draft proposal.

The blockade was called to reinforce the resolution adopted by the Western Angami Public Organization (WAPO) on March 19.

Security forces, medical staff, police and media were exempted from the purview of the blockade.

Another blockade-cum-bandh was called on the road from Kohima to Zunheboto in the Satakha area Gaon Burahs' Association under Zunheboto district on March 23.

In a release issued by Hotovi Zhimomi, President GBA, said Nunumi village is geographically and historically under Satakha Assembly constituency(AC) and therefore, if the village was shifted under Atoizu Constituency by the proposed Delimitation readjustment, none of the villagers should be held responsible for any untoward incident.

Similar reports of protest were received from Asangma under Tuli constituency in Mokokchung district, Ghukiye Tokukujo area with five villages, protested against the Delimitation and decided to stay in Satakha AC under Zunheboto district.

However, the Lotha Hoho from Wokha district, Phom Peoples' Council from Longleng district, Zeliang Baudi(Hoho) from Peren district, Dimapur Naga Council and Sangtam Likum Bhumji(Sangtam Peoples Association) have supported the Delimitation in their respective areas and demanded to complete the exercise at the earliest possible.

UNI