As the ‘Chakka Bandh’ launched by the All Commercial Vehicle Owners Association (ACVOA) entered its fourth day, civil society organizations in Mokokchung have come together to voice their solidarity and concerns regarding the ongoing protest.
The apex bodies of the Ao community including the Ao Senden, the Watsü Mungdang, and the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), as well as the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM), has extended support for the ACVOA’s cause while Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) will reportedly assist even at the ongoing protest sites.
Ao Senden: The apex tribal body Ao Senden urged the government to act promptly and release the sanctioned amount to the ACVOA, recognizing the hardships faced not only by the vehicle owners but also the general public.
Watsü Mungdang: The apex Ao women’s organization emphasized the need for an immediate solution to the demands made by the Commercial Vehicle Owners. It highlighted the legitimacy of the demand for payment of earned dues, given the services provided during the NLA elections. Stating that the prolonged ‘Chakka Bandh,’ which started on November 3, has caused significant inconveniences and disruptions in public life, the Watsü Mungdang appealed to the government to resolve the issue swiftly to restore normalcy.
AKM: The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang conducted a comprehensive assessment of the ongoing ‘Chakka Bandh’ and expressed deep concern regarding its multifaceted consequences on society. It noted that the disruptions caused by the bandh extend beyond the economic sphere, directly impacting the student community. Students, who were diligently attending schools and tuition centers, are now enduring significant inconveniences due to the disruptions caused by the bandh, it observed.
“This disruption to the daily lives of students is a matter of great concern. Education forms the foundation of our society’s progress, and any hindrance to the educational pursuits of our youth can have long-lasting repercussions. Furthermore, the disruption caused by the bandh has also affected the daily lives of the general public. Commuters face difficulties in reaching their workplaces, essential services are disrupted, and the availability of goods and services has been severely impacted,” the AKM added.
In light of these developments, the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang urged the government to take immediate action and called upon the authorities to expedite the disbursement of the dues rightfully earned by the All Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (ACVOA).
OKM: The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) expressed its unwavering support for the ‘Chakka Bandh’ protest called by ACVOA and found their demand justified. However, they emphasized that the public should not be made to bear the brunt of these issues as the ongoing protest adversely affects the economic well-being of society.
In this regard, the OKM urgently urged the Government of Nagaland to act promptly on the ACVOA’s demand, alleviate the difficulties faced by the public, and establish an inquiry team to investigate the reasons behind the payment delay.
“Transparency and good governance should be prioritized to instill public trust and confidence,” the OKM stated and appealed to the state government to resolve the issue at the earliest to prevent further economic hardships and disturbances to society.