Morung Express News
Dimapur |April 14
Deputy Commissioner Peren, Sentiwapang Aier, as precautionary measure, today imposed prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 to ensure that public peace and tranquility is maintained in the district.
The order was issued after bandh volunteers in the district reportedly set a government official’s vehicle on fire on Wednesday.
The DC issued prohibitory order imposing curfew, prohibiting assembly of more than 5 persons and carrying of any lethal weapons and arms in the areas which include Jalukie Town and adjoining areas, Peren District HQ/ Kejanglwa-Jalukie-Peren tri junction to Mhainamtsi-Dimapur-Kohima tri junction and from Samziuram Village Gate towards Jalukie town.
Following the March 22 incident in Lamhainamdi in which 3 persons were killed allegedly by armed miscreants, the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the district have been demanding action from the State government.
The CSOs had demanded for the arrest of the culprits involved in the March 22 killings under appropriate sections of the law and to establish their identities within 10 days with effect from March 31. They had also demanded immediate termination of post commander of 9th IRB Coy presently posted at Lamhainamdi village from active service.
The failure of the State government to fulfill the two-point demand of the CSOs had prompted the United Zeliangrong Youth Federation (UZYF) to call for indefinite bandh/agitation until the demands were met.
Following the ‘inconclusive’ meeting between the UZYF and the Peren District Administration on April 12, the Forum had announced an indefinite closure of government offices/activities and ban on movement of government vehicles in Peren district with effect from April 13.
However, according to sources, on April 14, a government official’s vehicle was seen plying despite the bandh notification. Youth volunteers enforcing the bandh got infuriated on seeing the government vehicle and reportedly snatched the key from the driver. They, then, damaged the car and set it on fire.
As per sources, the government official was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
“Whereas, it is felt that the prevailing situation in connection with the indefinite bandh called by the United Zeliangrong Youth Federation has taken a violent turn and has become a threat to public peace and tranquility,” the DC stated in an order on April 14, following the incident.
This order comes into immediate effect until further order, it stated.
