Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 20
The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) lifted the state-wide boycott of Nagaland state government offices on February 20. The decision to withdraw the bandh came after TR Zeliang relinquished the Chief Minister’s chair on February 19 and NPF chief Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu officially staked claim to take the reins today.
“The bandh was lifted today as our primary demand has been fulfilled,” said JCC convenor Supu Jamir. On the NTAC and JCC’s next course of action, Jamir said that the two bodies will meet on February 21 in Dimapur for further deliberation.
Asked on the demands for the suspension of the former Commissioner of Police, Dimapur and Superintendent of Police, Longleng and the institution of a 3-member Judicial Inquiry Commission to probe the violence and deaths related to ULB elections fiasco, Jamir stated that the demands are still alive.
The decision to lift the boycott on state government machinery was partly attributed to enable the NTAC and the JCC to “pursue” the other demands. “The demands can be pursued after government offices are allowed to function,” Jamir said.
Mobile data services restored in Nagaland
Meanwhile, mobile data services resumed on Monday evening 20 days after it was hastily shutdown state-wide. The data services returned like it went off – without official notice.
This brought big relief to businesses, banking services and people especially youth who depend on mobile data services for general networking.
All mobile data and messaging services remained in limbo since the night of January 31 after the State Government initiated the move following its decision to go ahead with Urban Local Body election on February 1. It was primarily initiated to thwart the spread of rumours and provocative messages in an already vulnerable and volatile situation. The restoration can be attributed to overall improvement in law and order situation as well as the possible change of guard in the State Government.
The business sector, banking services and students were most affected. After the data seviced were restored, people in State Capital Kohima and commercial Capital Dimapur were seen rushing for to restore their internet pack in the evening. Social media activities in popular platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp also registered a tremendous jump as people used humor, sarcasm and general concerns over the banning of data services and unfolding state of affairs in Nagaland. In March 2015, Nagaland faced a similar situation but with the state government notifying the reason for the data blockade; consequently issuing a similar notice informing of resumption of service.
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